carminative
pronunciation
How to pronounce carminative in British English:
UK ['kɑ:mɪnətɪv]
How to pronounce carminative in American English:
US [kɑ'mɪnətɪv]
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- Noun:
- medication that prevents the formation of gas in the alimentary tract or eases its passing
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- Adjective:
- relieving gas in the alimentary tract (colic or flatulence or griping)
Word Origin
- carminative (adj.)
- early 15c., from Latin carminat- (past participle stem of carminare "to card," from carmen, genitive carminis, "a card for wool or flax," which is related to carrere "to card;" see card (v.2)) + -ive. As a noun from 1670s. A medical term from the old theory of humours. The object of carminatives is to expel wind, but the theory was that they dilute and relax the gross humours from whence the wind arises, combing them out like knots in wool. [Hensleigh Wedgwood, "A Dictionary of English Etymology," 1859-65]
Example
- 1. Biennial yellow-flowered eurasian plant having aromatic leaves used as carminative or flavoring agent ; widely cultivated especially as green manure or cover crop .
- 2. The root has sedative , stimulant , and carminative properties , and is used for the treatment of colds and vertigo .