colocynth

noun

col·​o·​cynth ˈkä-lə-ˌsin(t)th 

: a Mediterranean and African herbaceous vine (Citrullus colocynthis) related to the watermelon

also : its spongy fruit from which a powerful cathartic is prepared

Word History

Etymology

Latin colocynthis, from Greek kolokynthis

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

colocynth

noun

col·​o·​cynth ˈkäl-ə-ˌsin(t)th 

: a Mediterranean and African herbaceous vine (Citrullus colocynthis) related to the watermelon

also : its spongy fruit from which a powerful cathartic is prepared