purgative
UK[ˈpɜːɡətɪv]US[ˈpɜːrɡətɪv]
adj
causing the bowels to empty
n
a medicine that causes the bowels to empty
Morpheme Breakdown
purg
ative
purg
cleanse
ative
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'purgative' originates from the latin verb 'purgare', meaning 'to cleanse or purify'. this latin root itself is derived from the earlier latin 'purus' (pure) combined with the verb-forming element '-igare' (to make, do). the suffix '-ative' was adopted from latin '-ativus', used to form adjectives indicating a tendency or function. the literal sense of 'making pure' evolved through medical latin to specifically denote cleansing the body by evacuating the bowels, a meaning fully established in middle english.
Analysis
Structure: purg (cleanse) + ative (adjective suffix)
purg (from latin 'purgare', meaning 'to cleanse, purify'); ative (from latin suffix '-ativus', forming adjectives meaning 'tending to, having the function of')
Examples
the doctor prescribed a mild purgative to relieve the patient's constipation.
some herbal teas are known for their purgative effects.
in earlier medical practices, a strong purgative was often the first line of treatment.