Evacuant

/ɪˈvækjuənt/ noun

Definition

A substance or medicine that promotes evacuation of the bowels; a laxative or purgative agent used in medical practice.

Etymology

From Latin evacuare (to empty) + -ant (agent suffix), describing substances that cause the body to empty its contents.

Kelly Says

Evacuants were medieval doctors' favorite cure-all—they believed most illnesses came from imbalanced humors, so they'd prescribe powerful laxatives to literally purge you of sickness!

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