turpeth

noun

tur·​peth

ˈtərpə̇th

plural -s

1

: the root of a tropical Asiatic and Australian vine (Operculina turpethum) formerly used in medicine as a purgative

also : the plant itself

called also Indian jalap, vegetable turpeth

2

or less commonly turpeth mineral : calomel

Word History

Etymology

alteration (influenced by New Latin turpethum turpeth, from Arabic turbid) of earlier turbith, from Middle English turbit, from Middle French turbit, from Arabic turbid

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