Hydragogue

Definitions

  • Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
    • a Hydragogue (Med) Causing a discharge of water; expelling serum effused into any part of the body, as in dropsy.
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Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
    • n hydragogue In medicine: An active purgative, as jalap, which produces a great flux from the intestinal membrane, and consequently gives rise to very watery stools.
    • n hydragogue A remedy believed to be capable of drawing off serum effused into any part of the body, as a cathartic of the above class or a diuretic.
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Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary
    • n Hydragogue hī′dra-gōg a very active purgative, such as jalap.
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Etymology

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
L. hydragogus, conveying off water, Gr. ; "y`dwr water + to lead: cf. F. hydragogue,
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary
Gr. hydōr, water, agōgos, leading, agein, to lead.

Usage

In literature:

It is a powerful irritant, and is employed medicinally as a drastic and hydragogue cathartic.
"The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom" by P. L. Simmonds
These diseases will bear thorough depletion of the alimentary canal, active, hydragogue cathartics being indicated.
"The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English" by R. V. Pierce
It is the most active hydragogue purgative known, causing also much depression and violent griping.
"Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2" by Various
Purgatives, drastic and hydragogue.
"Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:" by Louis Marshall Warfield
Cathartics, especially those of a hydragogue nature, are also very beneficial.
"A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I" by Various
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