jalap

(jaləp)

noun

  1. the dried root of a Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga) of the morning-glory family, formerly used as a purgative
  2. a resin obtained from this root
  3. the plant bearing this root
  4. any of several other plants with similar roots

Origin: Fr < Sp jalapa, after Jalapa, whence it is imported

See jalap in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A twining eastern Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga syn. I. jalapa) having tuberous roots that are dried, powdered, and used medicinally as a cathartic.
  2. Any of several similar or related plants.
  3. The dried tuberous roots of these plants.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from American Spanish jalapa

Origin: , short for (purga de) Jalapa, (purgative of) Jalapa

Origin: , after Jalapa

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