I. ˈlaksəd.]iv, -ət] adjective
Etymology: Middle English laxatif, from Medieval Latin laxativus, from Latin laxatus + -ivus -ive
1. : having a tendency to loosen or relax ; specifically : producing bowel movements and relieving constipation
2.
a. archaic : subject to looseness or free movement — used of the bowels
b. : subject to or marked by looseness of the bowels
obese and laxative robins — Christopher Morley
on silage alone animals are liable to become too laxative — Successful Farming
3. : running freely : loose , unrestrained
a laxative tongue
• lax·a·tive·ly ]ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• lax·a·tive·ness ]ivnə̇s noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English laxatif, from laxatif, adjective
: a laxative drug : a mild cathartic