lax·a·tive
ˈlak-sə-tiv
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically
: producing bowel movements and relieving constipation
: a usually mild laxative drug
Examples of laxative in a Sentence
Noun
The doctor prescribed a laxative.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 6 Feb. 2025
The fruit’s high water content and ample fiber and fructose promote a laxative effect on the digestive system.5
3.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025
Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025
Jeff Daniels recently reflected on filming Dumb and Dumber with Jim Carrey, who played Lloyd in the comedy, and zeroed in on one of the most memorable scenes: the sequence in which his empty-headed Harry Dunne fights for his life on the toilet after accidentally drinking a whole lotta laxatives.
—
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
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Adjective
To summarize, oxide is: Less absorbable than other types,
Can cause a laxative effect,
Can be used for relief for heartburn, migraines and muscle cramps.
—Noun
Osmotic laxatives like magnesium citrate may relieve constipation with IBS.
—Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus, past participle of laxare to loosen, from laxus
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of laxative was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near laxative
Cite this Entry
“Laxative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laxative. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
laxative
1 of 2 adjective
lax·a·tive
ˈlak-sət-iv
: tending to relieve constipation
laxative
2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild drug that helps relieve constipation compare purgative
Medical Definition
laxative
1 of 2 adjective
lax·a·tive
ˈlak-sət-iv
1
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically
: relieving constipation
2
laxatively
adverb
laxative
2 of 2 noun
: a usually mild laxative drug
More from Merriam-Webster on laxative
Nglish: Translation of laxative for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of laxative for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laxative
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