Antanacathartic

/ænˌtænəkæˈθɑrtɪk/ noun

Definition

A substance or medication that counteracts or opposes the effect of a cathartic or laxative.

Etymology

From Greek 'anti-' (against) + 'ana-' (back, up) + 'katharsis' (cleansing). Medieval medical terminology combining multiple Greek prefixes to describe opposing pharmacological action.

Kelly Says

Ancient and medieval doctors didn't understand biochemistry, so they relied on these poetic word combinations—'antanacathartic' sounds impressive but it really just meant 'the opposite of a laxative'!

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