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jalap

(jal′əp)

noun

the dried root of a Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga) of the morning-glory family, formerly used as a purgative
a resin obtained from this root
the plant bearing this root
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

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