ipecacuanha

/ ˌɪpɪˌkækjʊˈænə; ˈɪpɪˌkæk /

noun

1. a low-growing South American rubiaceous shrub, Cephaelis ipecacuanha
2. a drug prepared from the dried roots of this plant, used as a purgative and emetic

Word History and Origins

Origin of ipecacuanha¹

C18: from Portuguese, from Tupi ipekaaguéne, from ipeh low + kaa leaves + guéne vomit

Example Sentences

By the time Columbus landed, indigenous populations in Central and South American were utilizing ipecacuanha, a root found in Brazil with expectorant and emetic properties and balsam, which is still used in some cold remedies today.

From Salon

Here is Yeats on the flighty mother of an artist friend: “She makes me think of lumpy beds, Russian fleas and ipecacuanha wine.”

From New York Times

His grandfather introduced the use of ipecacuanha; his father was first physician to Queen Marie Leczinska of France.

From Project Gutenberg

A citizen, who said he felt dry after working so hard all day, regaled himself with a pint bottle of Ipecacuanha wine, and left immediately after it was down, to see how the fire was getting along in another place.

From Project Gutenberg

If this should fail, ipecacuanha may be added.

From Project Gutenberg