Emetic

/ɪˈmɛtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Causing or tending to cause vomiting; a substance that makes you throw up.

Etymology

From Greek 'emetikos' (causing vomiting), derived from 'emesis' (vomiting), creating an adjective that describes anything with the property of inducing vomiting.

Kelly Says

For hundreds of years, doctors would actually give patients emetic substances on purpose—they thought vomiting would cleanse the body of poisons and evil humors, which is why ipecac syrup used to be in every medicine cabinet!

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