laxative

1 of 2

adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sə-tiv 

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative

2 of 2

noun

: a usually mild laxative drug

Examples of laxative in a Sentence

Noun

The doctor prescribed a laxative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Supplements that can have a laxative effect include flaxseed, gardenia, and rose hip. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

This means the digestive system doesn't move food through the intestines properly, which can lead to problems like gas, stomach discomfort, and laxative effects. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

Noun

These laxatives might be contaminated with life-threatening bugs In addition to testing positive for B. cepacia, samples from the bottles tested as having total aerobic microbial counts and total yeast and mold counts above acceptable limits. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

You'll also be asked to take a laxative to clean out your colon. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare to loosen, from laxus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

: tending to relieve constipation

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative

Medical Definition

laxative

1 of 2 adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sət-iv 

1

: having a tendency to loosen or relax

specifically : relieving constipation

2

: lax sense 2

laxatively adverb

laxative

2 of 2 noun

: a usually mild laxative drug