/terr"pith/ , n.
1. the root of an East Indian plant, Merremia (or Operculina ) turpethum, of the morning glory family, formerly used as a purgative.
2. the plant itself.
[ 1350-1400; turpethum turbid
triputa; r. ME turbit ( h )( e ) turbit ( h ) turbid, as above ]