scammony

American  

[skam-uh-nee] / ˈskæm ə ni /

noun

• scammonies
  plural

1. a twining, Asian convolvulus, Convolvulus scammonia.

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scammony British  

/ 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

Derived Forms

• scammoniate
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• scammonies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of scammony

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

scammony

It is not scammony that causes purging but a property that scammony has that requires further investigation.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022

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

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous

For children, the following:—Powdered camphor, one scruple; calomel and powdered scammony, of each nine grains; James's powder, six grains; mix, and divide into six powders.

From Enquire Within Upon Everything The Great Victorian Domestic Standby by Anonymous

Each fluid ounce contains: sulp. magnesia one drachm, senna two drachms, scammony six grains, liquorice one drachm, ginger three grains, coriander, five grains, with flavoring ingredients.

From The Whitehouse Cookbook (1887) Cooking, Toilet and Household Recipes, Menus, Dinner-Giving, Table Etiquette, Care of the Sick, Health Suggestions, Facts Worth Knowing, Etc., Etc. The Whole Comprising a Comprehensive Cyclopedia of Information for the Home by F. L. (Fanny Lemira) Gillette

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

From Tancred Or, The New Crusade by Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield