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ipecacuanha

ipecacuanha

1 9.9
A medicine made from a plant root that makes someone vomit
  • noun
  • /ˌɪpɪkəˈkwɑːnə/
  • Archaic
: ipecacuana
  • The doctor administered ipecacuanha to the patient after he accidentally swallowed poison.

Examples

  • The pharmacist explained how ipecacuanha works to induce vomiting in emergency situations.

  • Historically, ipecacuanha was commonly kept in households as a remedy for poisoning.

  • The doctor prescribed ipecacuanha for the patient.

  • I have some ipecacuanha at home for emergencies.

  • The doctor administered ipecacuanha to the patient after he accidentally swallowed poison.

  • Historically, ipecacuanha was commonly kept in households as a remedy for poisoning.

  • The pharmacist explained how ipecacuanha works to induce vomiting in emergency situations.

Synonyms

ipecac
vsipecacuanha
  • Archaic
4 9.9

A medicine that makes you vomit after swallowing poison

is a preparation still used to induce vomiting or treat some illnesses

Surface Forms

ipecacuanha singular
ipecacuanhas plural

Etymology

Ipecacuanha comes from a Tupi word from Brazil that meant 'something that makes you vomit'. Portuguese sailors and doctors brought the plant and its name to Europe as a medicine, so the word now refers to a medical preparation made from that root that causes vomiting.