adjective
emetic
ih-MET-ik
Emetic (adjective) means causing nausea and vomiting. Example: “The doctor warned that the drug had an emetic effect.”
adjective
1
pharmacology Causing nausea and vomiting.
"The doctor warned that the drug had an emetic effect."
"The plant's berries are mildly emetic if eaten."
"Certain poisons produce a strongly emetic reaction."
noun
1
pharmacology A substance that induces vomiting.
"Doctors sometimes give an emetic to induce vomiting after poisoning."
"The vet kept an emetic on hand for emergencies."
"Salt water was once used as a crude emetic."
How to use emetic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that makes you sick, or causing that effect.
When to use it
It is a technical, pharmacological term rather than everyday vocabulary for feeling or being sick.
Memory tip
Link it to 'vomit' in your mind: both start with a similar sound and share the same meaning.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
emetic effect
emetic agent
mildly emetic
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The doctor warned that the drug had an _____ effect.
Etymology
Emetic comes from French emetique, which traces back through Vulgar Latin to the Ancient Greek word emetikos. That Greek word is related to emetos, meaning vomit.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for emetic
poetic
genetic
heretic
kinetic
ascetic
diuretic
frenetic
magnetic
cosmetic
athletic
diabetic
pathetic
See all rhymes for emetic →
Frequently asked questions
What does emetic mean?
It describes something that causes vomiting, and as a noun it refers to a substance used for that purpose.
What is an emetic used for?
It is used in medicine to bring on vomiting, for example after certain kinds of poisoning.
Is emetic used as both a noun and an adjective?
Yes, it can describe something that causes vomiting, or name the substance itself.
What is the meaning of emetic?
"emetic" (adjective) means causing nausea and vomiting.
