elaterium

/ ˌɛləˈtɪərɪəm /

noun

1. a greenish sediment prepared from the juice of the squirting cucumber, used as a purgative

Word History and Origins

Origin of elaterium¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek elatērion squirting cucumber, from elatērios purgative, from elaunein to drive

Example Sentences

Elaterium, a substance obtained from the fruit of the squirting or wild cucumber (Ecballium agreste).

From Project Gutenberg

Now may he invoke the virtues of the hellebores, the white and the black, now may he use elaterium.

From Project Gutenberg

Colocynth and Elaterium have also been proved to act specifically.

From Project Gutenberg

The product has a green colour, and constitutes the finest elaterium of commerce.

From Project Gutenberg

Its medicinal action is similar to that of elaterium, differing only in its greater activity.

From Project Gutenberg