jalap

American  

[jal-uhp, jah-luhp] / ˈdʒæl əp, ˈdʒɑ ləp /

noun

1. the dried tuberous root of any of several plants, especially Exogonium purga, of the morning glory family, or the light yellowish powder derived from it, used in medicine chiefly as a purgative.

2. any of these plants.

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jalap British  

/ ˈdʒæləp /

noun

1. a Mexican convolvulaceous plant, Exogonium (or Ipomoea ) purga

2. any of several similar or related plants

3. the dried and powdered root of any of these plants, used as a purgative

4. the resin obtained from any of these plants

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Other Word Forms

• jalapic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of jalap

1665–75; < Middle French < Spanish ( purga de ) Jalapa purgative from Jalapa

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jalap

Dr. Adam Kuhn called the mercury and jalap drink “a murderous dose” and said so in the newspapers.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy

At Barrett’s apothecary, Eliza purchased jalap and Bohea tea.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson

If jalap has been used, it will form a thick film on the top, and the heavy ingredients will sink to the bottom.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Mary Eaton

Jalapine, which is a sort of extract of jalap, is much less apt to gripe, and owing to its small bulk is much handier.

From The Mother's Manual of Children's Diseases by Charles West

"It is quite impossible," continued Pybus, "that the sensations which I am now experiencing are the ordinary and natural outcome of a dose of jalap."

From Amusement Only by Richard Marsh