1. a tropical South American plant (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) whose dried root is used medicinally
Usage: also called ipecac
2. a drug or preparation made from the root of ipecacuanha, formerly used as an emetic to induce vomiting
Usage: medical/pharmaceutical use; largely obsolete in modern practice

Examples

• Ipecacuanha was once a common household remedy for poisoning.
• The ipecacuanha plant grows naturally in the rainforests of Brazil.
• Doctors no longer recommend ipecacuanha syrup for treating accidental poisonings.
• The root of ipecacuanha contains alkaloids that trigger nausea.
• Ipecacuanha was a staple in medicine cabinets during the 19th century.