laxative

1 of 2

adjective

lax·​a·​tive ˈlak-sə-tiv How to pronounce laxative (audio)
: having a tendency to loosen or relax
specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation

laxative

2 of 2

noun

: a usually mild laxative drug

Examples of laxative in a Sentence

Noun The doctor prescribed a laxative.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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. 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
Noun
Osmotic laxatives like magnesium citrate may relieve constipation with IBS. 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 See all Example Sentences for laxative 

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 How to pronounce laxative (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce laxative (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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