lax·a·tive
ˈlak-sə-tiv
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically
: producing bowel movements and relieving constipation
: a usually mild laxative drug
Examples of laxative in a Sentence
Noun
The doctor prescribed a laxative.
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Adjective
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
Early reviews in the U.S. press were largely negative, and some social media users complained the drinks had a laxative effect.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
Avoid taking magnesium laxatives long-term to prevent dependency.
—Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 20 Nov. 2024
Elvis was a longtime opiate user, having also abused sleeping pills, antihistamines, barbiturates and, lastly, laxatives to treat intense constipation caused by his prescription-grade painkillers.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for laxative
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of laxative was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near laxative
Cite this Entry
“Laxative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laxative. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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
laxatively
adverb
laxative
2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild laxative drug
More from Merriam-Webster on laxative
Nglish: Translation of laxative for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of laxative for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laxative
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