Lexic.us

Definition of Turpeth

1. n. The root of Ipomœa Turpethum, a plant of Ceylon, Malabar, and Australia, formerly used in medicine as a purgative; -- sometimes called vegetable turpeth.

Definition of Turpeth

1. a medicinal plant root [n -S]

Medical Definition of Turpeth

1. 1. The root of Ipomoea Turpethum, a plant of Ceylon, Malabar, and Australia, formerly used in medicine as a purgative; sometimes called vegetable turpeth. 2. A heavy yellow powder, Hg3O2SO4, which consists of a basic mercuric sulphate; called also turpeth mineral. Origin: NL. Turpethum, fr. Per. Tirbid a cathartic, turbad a purgative root. Cf. Turbith Alternative forms: turbeth, and turbith. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Turpeth

Literary usage of Turpeth

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Quarterly Compendium of Medical Science by D. G. Brinton (1884)
"A Case of Poisoning by turpeth Mineral—Death. Dr A.. ... and two powders, three grains each, of turpeth mineral, were ordered, with directions that one ..."

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