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
Early reviews in the U.S. press were largely negative, and some social media users complained the drinks had a laxative effect. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024 Studies show kefir increases stool frequency, improves stool consistency, improves colon transit time, and decreases laxative use.13 7. Anna Meyer, Cpt, Health, 16 Oct. 2024
Noun
Avoid taking magnesium laxatives long-term to prevent dependency. Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 20 Nov. 2024 Elvis was a longtime opiate user, having also abused sleeping pills, antihistamines, barbiturates and, lastly, laxatives to treat intense constipation caused by his prescription-grade painkillers. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2024 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 29 Nov. 2024.

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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