scammony

noun

scam·​mo·​ny ˈska-mə-nē 

plural scammonies

1

: a twining convolvulus (Convolvulus scammonia) of Asia Minor with a large thick root

2

a

: the dried root of scammony

b

: a cathartic resin obtained from scammony

Word History

Etymology

Middle English scamonie, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English scammoniam, from Latin scammonia, from Greek skammōnia; Anglo-French scamonie, from Latin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

scammony

noun

scam·​mo·​ny ˈskam-ə-nē 

plural scammonies

1

: a twining plant of the genus Convolvulus (C. scammonia) of Asia Minor with a large thick root

2

a

: the dried root of scammony

b

: a cathartic resin obtained from scammony