ˈtərpə̇th noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by New Latin turpethum turpeth, from Arabic turbid ) of earlier turbith, from Middle English turbit, from Middle French turbit, from Arabic turbid
1. : the root of a tropical Asiatic and Australian vine ( Operculina turpethum ) formerly used in medicine as a purgative ; also : the plant itself — called also Indian jalap, vegetable turpeth
2. also turpeth mineral : calomel