Aperient

/əˈpɪriənt/ adjective

Definition

Gently causing bowel movements; laxative in a mild way.

Etymology

From Latin 'aperiens,' meaning 'opening,' derived from 'aperire' (to open). Medical term that evolved to describe substances that open or loosen the bowels.

Kelly Says

Medieval doctors used the word 'aperient' to describe medicines because they literally thought they were 'opening' blocked passages in the body—a metaphor that stuck around for 500 years.

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