emetic

noun

emet·​ic i-ˈme-tik How to pronounce emetic (audio)
: an agent that induces vomiting
emetic adjective

Examples of emetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In 2001, Achidi John, an asylum-seeker from Cameroon died after officers forced him to take emetics, a drug that induces vomiting, while in custody. Mélissa Godin, Time, 10 June 2020 Doctors can prescribe several drugs to reduce nausea and vomiting that are safe to take during pregnancy, including certain antacids, antihistamines and anti-emetics. Patricia Waldron, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Escape games are a natural emetic for all your bad qualities. Molly Young, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Latin emetica, from Greek emetikē, from feminine of emetikos causing vomiting, from emein to vomit — more at vomit

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emetic was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near emetic

Cite this Entry

“Emetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emetic. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

emetic

noun
emet·​ic i-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce emetic (audio)
: something (as a chemical) that causes vomiting
emetic adjective

Medical Definition

emetic

1 of 2 noun
emet·​ic i-ˈmet-ik How to pronounce emetic (audio)
: an agent that induces vomiting

emetic

2 of 2 adjective
: having the capacity to induce vomiting
emetically adverb

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