1. a climbing plant native to Mexico whose dried root is used medicinally as a purgative
Usage: botanical; medical
2. the dried tuberous root of this plant used as a cathartic drug
Usage: medical; historical

Examples

• The herbalist recommended jalap as a traditional remedy.
• Jalap was commonly used in 19th-century medicine.
• The jalap plant produces beautiful morning glory-like flowers.
• Pharmacists once prepared jalap powder for medicinal use.
• The dried jalap root has a bitter taste.
• Jalap grows wild in the mountainous regions of Mexico.