ptarmic, a. and n.
(ˈptɑːmɪk, ˈtɑːmɪk)
[ad. L. ptarmic-us, a. Gr. πταρµικ-ός causing to sneeze, f. πταρµός a sneeze: see -ic.]
A. adj. Exciting or causing sneezing; errhine.
| 1858 Mayne Expos. Lex., Ptarmicus, causing to sneeze; sternutatory: ptarmic. |
B. n. A substance that excites sneezing.
| 1684 tr. Bonet's Merc. Compit. iii. 66 The use of Ptarmicks does rather encrease..a defluxion of humours from the head. 1822–34 Good's Study Med. (ed. 4) III. 203 Those, who have habituated themselves to snuff for years, can hardly be excited to sneeze by the most violent ptarmics. |
So ‖ ˈptarmica [L., a. Gr. πταρµική] name of a plant, sneezewort, now botanically called Achillæa Ptarmica; ˈptarmical a., ptarmic.
| 1657 Tomlinson Renou's Disp. 179 Ptarmicall or neezing powder, when its used for Errhins. 1706 London & Wise Retir'd Gard. 97 Ptarmica, or Eternal Flower. 1707 Curios. in Husb. & Gard. 69 This Sap..becomes..ptarmical, carminative, sudorifick, diuretick. 1741 Compl. Fam.-Piece ii. iii. 397 You have now in Flower..double Ptarmica or Sneezing-wort. |