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

Turpeth mineral acts promptly and satisfactorily.

From Project Gutenberg

Such things are applied to the entire surface of the body; and as they mostly contain either Turpeth or Ethiop's mineral calomel, or one of the preparations of mercury, no great time is required to produce their fullest effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Calomel, six or eight grains; or, in an obstinate case, Turpeth Mineral or Yellow Mercury, six to twelve grains in a bolus.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Violent errhines and sialagogues, Turpeth mineral, hydrargyrus vitriolatus, asarum europ�um, euphorbium, capsicum, veratrum, nauseous smells, nauseous ideas.

From Project Gutenberg