n.
Pronunciation: ' i-pi- ˌ kak
Variant: also ipe · ca · cu · a · nha \ ˌ i-pi- ˌ ka-ky ə - ' wä-n ə , -ny ə \
Function: noun
Etymology: Portuguese ipecacuanha, from Tupi ɨ pekakwán y a, from ɨ péka duck + akwán y a penis
Date: 1682
1 : the dried rhizome and roots of either of two tropical American plants ( Cephaelis acuminata and C. ipecacuanha ) of the madder family used especially as a source of emetine also : either of these plants
2 : an emetic and expectorant drug that contains emetine and is prepared from ipecac especially as a syrup for use in treating accidental poisoning