ELATERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Elaterium is a noun that refers to a powerful purgative or cathartic substance that is obtained from the juice of the seeds of certain plants. It is commonly used in medicine for its drastic and purging effects on the bowels. The term "elaterium" is derived from the Greek word "elaterion," which means "thing that propels."
Originating from the squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) and other related plants, elaterium is primarily obtained by drying and scraping the insides of the fruit's seed capsules. The resulting extract is a greenish-black, bitter-tasting substance that is known for its extreme potency. Even small doses of elaterium can produce strong and rapid intestinal contractions, leading to a hastened expulsion of feces.
Historically, elaterium has been utilized as a therapeutic agent for treating constipation, gastric disorders, and various other digestive issues. Due to its potent nature, elaterium use requires caution and medical supervision to prevent excessive purging and potential dehydration. In modern medicine, elaterium is usually administered in carefully measured doses, often in the form of tablets or pills.
It should be noted that the use of elaterium has declined over time, as safer and more refined medications have emerged. However, it still finds limited application in some cases where a profound laxative effect is specifically required.
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The dried sediment from the juice of the fruit of Ecballium elaterium, squirting cucumber; it is a hydragogue cathartic, used especially in renal dropsy, in doses of gr. 1/6 (0.01).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A substance deposited from the juice of the wild cucumber.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ELATERIUM
- wlaterium
- slaterium
- dlaterium
- rlaterium
- 4laterium
- 3laterium
- ekaterium
- epaterium
- eoaterium
- elzterium
- elsterium
- elwterium
- elqterium
- elarerium
- elaferium
- elagerium
- elayerium
- ela6erium
- ela5erium
Etymology of ELATERIUM
The word "Elaterium" has its origins in Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "elaterion", which means "driver" or "expeller". This is derived from the Greek word "elatos", meaning "pusher" or "propeller". The term "elaterium" was initially used to refer to the juice or extract obtained from a Mediterranean plant called "Ecballium elaterium", commonly known as the squirting cucumber. The plant has fruit that, when ripe, can forcefully eject its seeds, hence the association with the concept of driving or expelling. Over time, the term "Elaterium" was also used to describe a potent herbal medicine or purgative made from the dried juice or extract of the plant.
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