scammony

scam·mo·ny  (skm-n)

n. pl. scam·mo·nies

1. An eastern Mediterranean plant (Convolvulus scammonia) having large roots that yield a resin formerly used as a cathartic.

2. The resin obtained from this plant.

3. A cathartic preparation made from this resin.

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[Middle English scamonie, from Old English scammniam and from Old French scamonie, both from Latin scammnea, from Greek skammni.]

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scammony [ˈskæmənɪ]

n pl -nies

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a twining Asian convolvulus plant, Convolvulus scammonia, having arrow-shaped leaves, white or purple flowers, and tuberous roots

2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a resinous juice obtained from the roots of this plant and having purgative properties

3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of various similar medicinal resins or the plants that yield them

[Old English, via Latin from Greek skammōnia, of obscure origin]

scammoniate  [skæˈməʊnɪɪt] adj

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	scammony - tropical American morning glory       Ipomoea orizabensis morning glory - any of various twining vines having funnel-shaped flowers that close late in the day
	2.	scammony - resin from the root of Convolvulus scammonia natural resin - a plant exudate
	3.	scammony - twining plant of Asia Minor having cream-colored to purple flowers and long thick roots yielding a cathartic resin Convolvulus scammonia convolvulus - any of numerous plants of the genus Convolvulus