aperient, a. and n.
(əˈpɪərɪənt)
[ad. L. aperient-em, pr. pple. of aperī-re (orig. āperī-re) to open, f. ā= ab off, away + par(i)-ĕre to get; cf. Eng. undo]
A. adj. Opening the bowels; laxative. B. n. [sc. medicine, article of diet.]
| 1626 Bacon Sylva §961 (J.) They be of three intentions: refrigerant, corroborative, and aperient. 1674 Grew Anat. Plants iii. (1682) 257 Agrimony an Aperient. 1765 Tucker Lt. Nat. II. 234 Air, exercise, proper regimen of diet, and aperients may relieve them. 1872 Baker Nile Trib. i. 6 A small piece..renders the draught a strong aperient. |