turpeth

[ tur-pith ]

noun

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

turpeth

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of turpeth¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of turpeth¹

C14: from Medieval Latin turbithum , ultimately from Arabic turbid

Example Sentences

As one grain of turpeth mineral (vitriolic calx of mercury) mixed with ten grains of fine sugar.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Turpeth mineral in the quantity of one grain mixed with ten grains of sugar answers every purpose to be expected from errhines.

From Project Gutenberg

(10 grains)—Christison; and Turpeth mineral has proved fatal in doses of 2·6 grms.

From Project Gutenberg

Ethiops mineral and Turpeth mineral are given to dogs when affected by the distemper, worms, or the mange.

From Project Gutenberg