ipecac
ipecac Lexical Profile
ipecac Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A medicinal preparation, usually in the form of a syrup, made from the dried roots of a South American shrub and formerly widely used as an emetic to induce vomiting.
"The pediatrician advised the parents to safely dispose of their old bottle of ipecac, as it is no longer recommended for treating accidental poisoning."
A small, low-growing shrub (Carapichea ipecacuanha) native to the tropical rainforests of South and Central America, whose rhizomes and roots contain emetic alkaloids such as emetine.
"The indigenous peoples of Brazil first discovered the medicinal properties of ipecac well before it was introduced to European medicine."
Word Nuance & Usage
Syrup of ipecac was historically a common household staple for inducing vomiting after poison ingestion, but modern medical guidelines strongly advise against its use due to limited efficacy and potential complications.
Word Origin & Etymology
From Portuguese 'ipecacuanha', which derives from the Tupi word 'ipekaaguéne', roughly translating to 'road-side plant that makes one vomit'.