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 jalap
2 : a plant yielding jalap