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

Figs are not seen much in Taiwanese cuisine, but are said to have both laxative and lactation-promoting properties. —Clarissa Wei, Bon Appétit, 16 Sep. 2024

Aloe vera latex has strong laxative effects, which may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, hypokalemia (low potassium), other electrolyte imbalances, and kidney damage. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024

Noun

Osmotic laxatives draw water into the colon to soften stool and produce watery diarrhea. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2024

The laxative is typically made of polyethylene-glycol, a large molecule that is not absorbed by the bowel, along with electrolytes to prevent dehydration. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024

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