jalap
Americannoun
-
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.
-
any of these plants.
noun
-
a Mexican convolvulaceous plant, Exogonium (or Ipomoea ) purga
-
any of several similar or related plants
-
the dried and powdered root of any of these plants, used as a purgative
-
the resin obtained from any of these plants
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of jalap
1665–75; < Middle French < Spanish ( purga de ) Jalapa purgative from Jalapa
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
He then immediately gave a cathartic consisting of three grains of calomel, and 40 grains of powder of jalap.
From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Darwin, Erasmus
Castor oil, senna, jalap, jalapine, and scammony are simple aperients.
From The Mother's Manual of Children's Diseases by West, Charles
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 Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
