ip·e·cac ( p -k k ) also ip·e·cac·u·an·ha (p-kky -n )n. 1. a. A low-growing tropical American shrub (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) having roots and rhizomes that yield emetine. b. The dried roots and rhizomes of this shrub. 2. A medicinal preparation made from the dried roots and rhizomes of this shrub that is used to induce vomiting, particularly in cases of poisoning and drug overdose. [Short for Portuguese ipecacuanha, from Tupi ipekaaguéne : ipeh, low + kaâ, leaves + guéne, vomit.] |
ipecacuanha [ip-pee-kak-yew-ann-a, ip-pee-kak] or ipecac
Noun
a drug made from the dried roots of a S American plant, used to cause vomiting [S American Indian ipekaaguéne]
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