turpeth

noun

tur·​peth
ˈtərpə̇th
plural -s
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
or less commonly turpeth mineral : calomel

Word History

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

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Dictionary Entries Near turpeth

turpentinic

turpeth

turpis contractus

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Turpeth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turpeth. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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