CATHARTIC

I. kəˈthär]d.ik, -thȧ], ]tik, -ēk adjective

also ca·thar·ti·cal -ə̇kəl, -ēk-

Etymology: Late Latin or Greek; Late Latin catharticus, from Greek kathartikos, from (assumed) Greek kathartos (verbal of Greek kathairein ) + Greek -ikos -ic, -ical

: of, relating to, or having the effect of catharsis : cleansing , purifying

argument as to how Aristotle thought the cathartic process worked — Hunter Mead

cold, cathartic rain — R.P.Warren

specifically : cleansing the bowels

• ca·thar·ti·cal·ly -ə̇k(ə)lē, -ēk-, -li\ adverb

II. noun

( -s )

Etymology: Late Latin or Greek; Late Latin catharticum, from Greek kathartikon, from neuter of kathartikos

: a cathartic medicine : purgative