turpeth

American  

[tur-pith] / ˈtɜr pɪθ /

noun

1. the root of an East Indian plant, Merremia (orOperculina ) turpethum, of the morning glory family, formerly used as a purgative.

2. the plant itself.

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turpeth British  

/ ˈtɜːpɪθ /

noun

1. a convolvulaceous plant, Operculina turpethum , of the East Indies, having roots with purgative properties

2. the root of this plant or the drug obtained from it

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Etymology

Origin of turpeth

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin turpethum < Arabic turbid < Persian; akin to Sanskrit tripuṭā; replacing Middle English turbit ( h )( e ) < Old French turbit ( h ) < Arabic turbid, as above

Example Sentences

But turpeth root is seldom used alone, for its action is so uncertain that Sir W. O’Shaughnessy pronounced the plant unworthy of a place in the Pharmacopœia of India.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

Dissolved in vitriolic acid, called turpeth mineral, or hydrargyrus vitriolatus.

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Darwin, Erasmus