ipecac
pronunciation
How to pronounce ipecac in British English:
UK [ɪpe'kæk]
How to pronounce ipecac in American English:
US [ɪpe'kæk]
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- Noun:
- a medicinal drug used to evoke vomiting (especially in cases of drug overdose or poisoning)
Word Origin
- ipecac
- 1710, borrowing via Portuguese of a shortened form of Tupi ipecacuana (a word attested in English from 1682), a medicinal plant of Brazil. The Indian word is said to mean "small plant causing vomit."
Example
- 1. Syrup of ipecac was never recommended for stomach upsets .
- 2. Ipecac can leave you throwing up for hours .
- 3. A medicinal powder made essentially of ipecac and opium , formerly used to relieve pain and induce perspiration .
- 4. A doctor might prescribe a drug to bring your heartbeat back under control and try to induce vomiting with ipecac , pump your stomach or absorb the toxin with ingested charcoal .