Main Entry: ip·e·cac

Pronunciation: \ˈi-pi-ˌkak\

Variant(s): also ipe·ca·cu·a·nha \ˌi-pi-ˌka-kyə-ˈwä-nə, -nyə\

Function: noun

Etymology: Portuguese ipecacuanha, from Tupi i̵pekakwánʸa, from i̵péka duck + akwánʸa penis

Date: 1682

1 : the dried rhizome and roots of either of two tropical American plants (Cephaelis acuminata and C. ipecacuanha) of the madder family used especially as a source of emetine; also : either of these plants
2 : an emetic and expectorant drug that contains emetine and is prepared from ipecac especially as a syrup for use in treating accidental poisoning