Definition of laxative

< lax

laxity >

lax·a·tive    (lks-tv) KEY 

NOUN:

A food or drug that stimulates evacuation of the bowels.

ADJECTIVE:

1. Stimulating evacuation of the bowels.
2. Causing looseness or relaxation, especially of the bowels.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxtvus, preventing constipation, from Late Latin, assuaging, from Latin laxtus, past participle of laxre, to relax, from laxus, loose ; see lax