[ip.e.cac] or ipe.ca.cu.a.nha n [Pg ipecacuanha, fr. Tupi ipekaaguene] (1682) 1: the dried rhizome and roots of either of two tropical American plants (Cephaelis acuminata and C. ipecacuanha) of the madder family used esp. as a source of emetine; also: either of these plants
2: an emetic and expectorant drug that contains emetine and is prepared from ipecac esp. as a syrup for use in treating accidental poisoning