laxative meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

laxative

adj

/ˈlæk.sə.tɪv/

Etymology From Middle French laxatif, from Latin laxātīvus (literally “relaxing, loosening”).

Having the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.

BOlvs in Engliſh is called a morſell. It is a medicine laxatiue, in forme & faſhion it is meanely whole, & it is ſwallowed by litle gobbets.1583, Philip Barrough [i.e., Philip Barrow], “Of Making Bolus”, in The Methode of Phisicke, Conteyning the Causes, Signes, and Cures of Inward Diseases in Mans Body from the Head to the Foote. […], London: […] Thomas Vautroullier […], →OCLC, book VI, page 288:

noun

Etymology From Middle French laxatif, from Latin laxātīvus (literally “relaxing, loosening”).

Any substance, such as a food or in the form of a medicine which has a laxative effect.

According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, the US is having a love affair with laxatives; Americans of all ages are ingesting so much of the stuff that there are now shortages nationwide.2023 September 12, Arwa Mahdawi, “The US has such a love affair with laxatives that there is now a national shortage. This is not normal”, in The Guardian, →ISSN: