Main Entry:

jal·ap

Pronunciation:

\ˈja-ləp, ˈjä-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

French & Spanish; French jalap, from Spanish jalapa, from Jalapa, Mexico

Date:

1644

1 a: the dried tuberous root of a Mexican plant (Ipomoea purga syn. Exogonium purga) of the morning-glory family ; also : a powdered purgative drug prepared from it that contains resinous glycosides b: the root or derived drug of plants related to the one supplying jalap2: a plant yielding jalap