/ip"i kak'/ , n.
1. the dried root of a shrubby South American plant, Cephaelis ipecacuanha, of the madder family.
2. the plant itself.
3. a drug consisting of the dried roots of this plant, used as an emetic, purgative, etc., and as the source of emetine.
Also, ipecacuanha /ip'i kak'yooh an"euh/ .
[ 1780-90, Amer.; short for ipecacuanha
ipekaaguéne, equiv. to ipeh low + kaâ leaves + guéne vomit ]