SINCE 1828
jalap
noun
jal·ap
| \ ˈja-ləp
, ˈjä-
\
, ˈjä-
\
Definition of jalap
1a
: the dried tuberous root of a Mexican plant (Ipomoea purga synonym 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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for jalap
jalap
noun
jal·ap
| \ ˈjal-əp
, ˈjäl-
\
, ˈjäl-
\
Medical Definition of jalap
1a
: the dried tuberous root of a Mexican plant of the genus Ipomoea (I. purga)
also
: a powdered purgative drug prepared from this root that contains resinous glycosides
b
: the root or derived drug of plants related to the one supplying jalap — see tampico jalap
2
: a plant yielding jalap
Comments on jalap
What made you want to look up jalap? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Latin Quiz
-
- Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Latin Quiz
Finally! A use for those SAT prep classes.
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing: Animal Edition
How many animals can you identify?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share jalap
Resources for jalap