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, 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

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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

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

Where, however, it is inconvenient to gratify the desire, one or two doses of jalap will often entirely remove it; and fowls often lay in three weeks afterward.

From Sheep, Swine, and Poultry Embracing the History and Varieties of Each; The Best Modes of Breeding; Their Feeding and Management; Together with etc. by Jennings, Robert

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 West, Charles

Though, judging from the taste of your jalap, I can't see how that could be.

From Amusement Only by Marsh, Richard