hydragogue

American  

[hahy-druh-gawg, -gog] / ˈhaɪ drəˌgɔg, -ˌgɒg /

adjective

1. causing the discharge of watery fluid, as from the bowels.

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noun

1. Pharmacology. Also hydragog a hydragogue agent.

hydragogue British  

/ ˈhaɪdrəˌɡɒɡ /

noun

1. med any purgative that causes evacuation of water from the bowels

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Etymology

Origin of hydragogue

1630–40; < Latin hydragōgus < Greek hydragōgós water-conveying, equivalent to hydr- hydr- ¹ + agōgós leading, guiding ( -agogue )

Example Sentences

Uses.—The root is a hydragogue cathartic even in minute doses.

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

In other words it is a highly energetic hydragogue cathartic, especially indicated when we wish to drain off the fluid element of the blood, as in dropsy, asthma, pulmonary and cerebral congestion.

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

In medicine it is frequently employed as a hydragogue purgative, specially valuable in febrile diseases, in congestion of the portal system, and in the obstinate constipation of painters’ colic.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various

It is a powerful irritant, and is employed medicinally as a drastic and hydragogue cathartic.

From The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom Considered in Their Various Uses to Man and in Their Relation to the Arts and Manufactures; Forming a Practical Treatise & Handbook of Reference for the Colonist, Manufacturer, Merchant, and Consumer, on the Cultivation, Preparation for Shipment, and Commercial Value, &c. of the Various Substances Obtained From Trees and Plants, Entering into the Husbandry of Tropical and Sub-tropical Regions, &c. by Simmonds, P. L.

These five pills given at once form an excellent hydragogue cathartic to clear the chest, relieve breathing and diminish the dropsical effusion.

From Young's Demonstrative Translation of Scientific Secrets by Young, Daniel