noun

laxative

LAK-suh-tihv

Laxative (noun) means a substance, food, or medicine that stimulates bowel movement. Example: “The doctor recommended a mild laxative for his constipation.”

noun

A substance, food, or medicine that stimulates bowel movement.

"The doctor recommended a mild laxative for his constipation."

adj

Having the effect of easing bowel movement.

"Prunes are known for their laxative effect."

How to use laxative

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that helps you go to the toilet more easily.

Word forms

more laxative comparative, laxatives plural, most laxative superlative

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The doctor recommended a mild _____ for his constipation.

Etymology

From Latin laxātīvus, "loosening" — from laxus, "loose."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for laxative

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently asked questions

What does “laxative” mean?

The word “laxative” means a substance, food, or medicine that stimulates bowel movement. In plain terms, something that helps you go to the toilet more easily.

How do you pronounce “laxative”?

“Laxative” is pronounced LAK-suh-tihv (/ˈlæk.sə.tɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “laxative” in a sentence?

Here is “laxative” used in a sentence: “The doctor recommended a mild laxative for his constipation.”

What part of speech is “laxative”?

Depending on how it is used, “laxative” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “laxative” come from?

The word “laxative” comes from Latin. From Latin laxātīvus, "loosening" — from laxus, "loose.".

How many meanings does “laxative” have?

“Laxative” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance, food, or medicine that stimulates bowel movement.