jal·ap (j l  p, jälp)n. 1. A twining eastern Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga syn. I. jalapa) having tuberous roots that are dried, powdered, and used medicinally as a cathartic. 2. Any of several similar or related plants. 3. The dried tuberous roots of these plants. [French, from American Spanish jalapa, short for (purga de) Jalapa, (purgative of) Jalapa, after Jalapa.] |
jalap, jalop [ˈdʒæləp]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a Mexican convolvulaceous plant, Exogonium (or Ipomoea) purga
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of several similar or related plants
3. (Medicine) the dried and powdered root of any of these plants, used as a purgative
4. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) the resin obtained from any of these plants
[from French, from Mexican Spanish jalapa, short for purga de Jalapa purgative of Jalapa]
jalapic [dʒəˈlæpɪk] adj
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