scammony

American  

[skam-uh-nee] / ˈskæm ə ni /

noun

plural

scammonies

1. a twining, Asian convolvulus, Convolvulus scammonia.

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scammony British  

/ skæˈməʊnɪɪt, ˈskæmənɪ /

noun

1. a twining Asian convolvulus plant, Convolvulus scammonia, having arrow-shaped leaves, white or purple flowers, and tuberous roots

2. a resinous juice obtained from the roots of this plant and having purgative properties

3. any of various similar medicinal resins or the plants that yield them

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Other Word Forms

• scammoniate adjective

Etymology

Origin of scammony

before 1000; Middle English scamonie, Old English < Latin scamōnia < Greek skamōnía

Example Sentences

The compound scammony powder is the form in which it is usually given, and of that five grains would be a dose for a child two years old.

From Project Gutenberg

Take Socotrine aloes, gamboge, and castile soap, of each one dram; ipecac and scammony, of each thirty grains; oil of anise, thirty drops.

From Project Gutenberg

Convolvulus scammonia.—This plant furnishes the scammony of the druggists.

From Project Gutenberg

Tell me what scammony you want, and it shall be done.'

From Project Gutenberg

Her method consisted in giving from one to three drams of the powdered root, after using a clyster, and following the dose up with a purge of scammony and calomel.

From Project Gutenberg