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DictionarylaxativePromoting bowel movements
noun / adjective

laxative

LAK-suh-tiv/lˈæksʌtɪv/

A substance that helps produce bowel movements, or having this effect.

The laxative helps the bowel move its contents toward release.

Laxative medicine with bowel-function inset.
Etymology
laxatLatinto loosen
+iveLatintending to

The pieces describe something that loosens. Applied to medicine, this meant relieving constipation by relaxing the intestines; the descriptive adjective also became a noun for the medicine.

In context

Doctor O'Donovan3:12
they might be able to suggest a suitable laxative now laxatives are medicines that help you to poo
Doctor explains CONSTIPATION | Causes, symptoms & treatment - plus when to see your own doctor!

More examples

  • Prunes can have a laxative effect.
  • She asks her doctor before taking laxatives.
  • This laxative comes as a powder mixed with water.

Forms

laxative · laxatives

Similar words

purgative
Usually suggests a stronger bowel-emptying effect than a mild laxative.
cathartic
A more technical term, often implying thorough bowel evacuation.