emmenagogue
1
9.9
A substance that makes a woman's period start or bleed more
- noun
- /ˌɛmənəˈɡɔɡ/
- Specialized
:
emmenagogo
- "Diuretic, emmenagogue, hypnotic, stomachic."
Examples
-
Some studies suggest that ginger may act as an emmenagogue to support menstrual health.
-
Traditional medicine often uses certain plants as emmenagogues to promote menstrual flow.
-
Many herbal remedies have been praised as emmenagogues that can help regulate menstrual cycles.
How Potent
emmenagogue
1
9.9
- Specialized
1
9.9
inactive
3
6.0
- Specialized
3
6.0
Surface Forms
emmenagogue singular
emmenagogues plural
Morphology
emmenagogue = emmen + agogue
The term is built from specialized combining forms that are not recognizable as independent English words to a B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be reliably derived from familiar components.
Etymology
Emmenagogue comes from Greek parts emmeno- meaning 'month', seen in menstruation, and -agogue meaning 'to lead' or 'bring'. So an emmenagogue is a substance that 'leads' the monthly flow, which is why it means something that brings on a woman's period.