aperient

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels
  2. adjective mildly laxative

Etymology

Attested since the early 17th century, from Latin aperiens, present participle of aperire (“to open”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

purgative, cathartic, physic

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