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ipecac

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(ip′i kak′)

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noun

the dried root of a tropical South American plant (Cephaëlis ipecacuanha) of the madder family, that yields emetine and other alkaloids
a preparation from the dried roots, used to induce vomiting
any of several plant roots used in a similar way

Origin: contr. < Port ipecacuanha < Tupí ipe-kaa-guéne, small emetic plant

Also ipecacuanha

See ipecac in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A low-growing tropical American shrub (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) having roots and rhizomes that yield emetine.
b. The dried roots and rhizomes of this shrub.
A medicinal preparation made from the dried roots and rhizomes of this shrub that is used to induce vomiting, particularly in cases of poisoning and drug overdose.

Origin:

Origin: Short for Portuguese ipecacuanha

Origin: , from Tupi ipekaaguéne

Origin: : ipeh, low

Origin: + kaâ, leaves

Origin: + guéne, vomit

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