laxative
pronunciation
How to pronounce laxative in British English:
UK [ˈlæksətɪv]
How to pronounce laxative in American English:
US [ˈlæksətɪv]
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- Noun:
- a mild cathartic
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- Adjective:
- stimulating evacuation of feces
Word Origin
- laxative (adj.)
- late 14c., from Old French laxatif (13c.), from Medieval Latin laxativus "loosening," from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare "loosen," from laxus "loose, lax" (see lax). The noun meaning "a laxative medicine" is from late 14c.
Example
- 1. May I have a laxative ?
- 2. This plant contains a potent " stimulant " laxative that forces the bowel muscles to contract .
- 3. A sugar alcohol that increases osmotic pressure in the intestines , making it an effective laxative .
- 4. Today , many actresses are taking laxatives in the form of " dieter 's tea " , which has a mild laxative effect .
- 5. Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night .