gregory's powder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ArchaicArchaic, Historical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “gregory's powder” mean?
A specific medicinal powder, historically used as a purgative or laxative, originally composed of rhubarb, magnesia, and ginger.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific medicinal powder, historically used as a purgative or laxative, originally composed of rhubarb, magnesia, and ginger.
A now-archaic proprietary remedy for digestive complaints. The term can be used historically or metaphorically to refer to a harsh or unpleasant remedy or solution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in modern usage, as the term is archaic in both regions. Its historical use was likely more common in the UK where it originated.
Connotations
Historical, old-fashioned, possibly associated with harsh or unpleasant medical treatments of the past.
Frequency
Extremely rare and obsolete in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gregory's powder” in a Sentence
[Subject] took a dose of Gregory's powder.[Subject] prescribed Gregory's powder for [condition].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or medical history contexts.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday language.
Technical
Obsolete in modern technical medical language; of historical interest only.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gregory's powder”
- Using it as a current medical term.
- Incorrectly capitalizing as 'Gregory's Powder' in mid-sentence (only 'Gregory' is capitalized).
- Thinking it refers to a general spice or cooking powder.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete historical remedy and is not part of modern medical practice.
It was named after Dr. James Gregory (1753–1821), a Scottish professor of medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe a harsh, unpleasant, but supposedly effective solution to a problem, akin to 'a bitter pill to swallow'.
It is not important for active use. Learners may encounter it in historical literature or texts, so recognizing it as an archaic medical term is sufficient.
A specific medicinal powder, historically used as a purgative or laxative, originally composed of rhubarb, magnesia, and ginger.
Gregory's powder is usually archaic, historical, medical in register.
Gregory's powder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɛɡ(ə)riz ˈpaʊdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɛɡəriz ˈpaʊdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] A Gregory's powder solution: a harsh but effective remedy for a problem.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREGarious old doctor (Gregory) who made a POWDER to make things go.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICINE IS A CLEANSING FORCE / A HARSH SOLUTION IS A PURGATIVE.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Gregory's powder' primarily known as?