jalap

[ jal-uhp, jah-luhp ]

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.

jalap

/ ˈdʒæləp; dʒəˈlæpɪk /

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

Derived Forms

• jalapic, adjective

Other Words From

• ja·lap·ic [ja-, lap, -ik, jah-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jalap¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jalap¹

C17: from French, from Mexican Spanish jalapa , short for purga de Jalapa purgative of Jalapa

Example Sentences

Brougham needs a dose of jalap instead of pap, for he cannot even spell the 'greatest happiness principle' properly.

From Project Gutenberg

I told him about the situation in Fisher Hill and how finances was low on account of the local mixture of politics and jalap.

From Project Gutenberg

I drink his health in a dose of the cheerful beverage known as jalap, and thresh the sheets with my hot hands.

From Project Gutenberg

This is probably the case with such as Castor-oil, Scammony, and Jalap, which are simply cathartic in their action.

From Project Gutenberg

The resins of Jalap, Scammony, and other such substances, are affirmed to pass out along with them.

From Project Gutenberg