turpeth

[ tur-pith ]
/ ˈtɜr pɪθ /

noun

the root of an East Indian plant, Merremia (or Operculina) turpethum, of the morning glory family, formerly used as a purgative.
the plant itself.

Origin of turpeth

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin turpethum < Arabic turbid < Persian; akin to Sanskrit tripuṭā; replacing Middle English turbit(h)( e) < Old French turbit(h) < Arabic turbid, as above

Words nearby turpeth

turophile, turophobia, turp, turpentine, turpentine tree, turpeth, turpin, turpitude, turps, turquoise, turquoise green

Example sentences from the Web for turpeth

  • (10 grains)—Christison; and Turpeth mineral has proved fatal in doses of 2·6 grms.

    Poisons: Their Effects and Detection |Alexander Wynter Blyth

  • Turpeth mineral in the quantity of one grain mixed with ten grains of sugar answers every purpose to be expected from errhines.

    Zoonomia, Vol. II |Erasmus Darwin

  • Ethiops mineral and Turpeth mineral are given to dogs when affected by the distemper, worms, or the mange.

    Poisons: Their Effects and Detection |Alexander Wynter Blyth

  • As one grain of turpeth mineral (vitriolic calx of mercury) mixed with ten grains of fine sugar.

    Zoonomia, Vol. II |Erasmus Darwin

British Dictionary definitions for turpeth

turpeth
/ (ˈtɜːpɪθ) /

noun

a convolvulaceous plant, Operculina turpethum, of the East Indies, having roots with purgative properties
the root of this plant or the drug obtained from it

Word Origin for turpeth

C14: from Medieval Latin turbithum, ultimately from Arabic turbid