aperient

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English

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Etymology

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Attested since the early 17th century, from Latin aperient-, present participle of aperire (to open).

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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aperient

  1. Having a gentle laxative effect.
    • 1922 February, James Joyce, “[Episode 8: Laestrygonians]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company, [], →OCLC, part II [Odyssey], page 171:
      [T]ouching the much vexed question of stimulants he relished a glass of choice old wine in season as both nourishing and bloodmaking and possessing aperient virtues (notably a good burgundy which he was a staunch believer in) []

Noun

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aperient (plural aperients)

  1. A laxative, either in the form of a medicine or a food such as asparagus or hops, which has the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.
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Anagrams

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Latin

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Verb

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aperient

  1. third-person plural future active indicative of aperiō