ipecac
C2Medical, historical, archaic (in everyday use).
Definition
Meaning
A medicinal root, or its extract, used to induce vomiting.
The common name for the Cephaelis ipecacuanha plant, its dried roots, or the emetic drug derived from it (ipecacuanha). In modern usage, it is most familiar as 'syrup of ipecac', a substance historically used as a home remedy to induce vomiting after poisoning (though now medically advised against).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used in a medical or pharmacological context. Its everyday recognition comes from historical first-aid advice. It is often preceded by 'syrup of'. It is not used metaphorically in standard language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is identical in both dialects. 'Syrup of ipecac' was a standard term in pharmacies in both regions.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of outdated or historical home medical treatment, particularly in the context of childhood poisoning.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and technical in both varieties. It might be slightly more recognised in American English due to past widespread public health messaging from bodies like the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Patient] was given ipecac.The doctor administered ipecac.A bottle of ipecac was kept in the medicine cabinet.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or pharmacological texts discussing emetics or the treatment of poisoning.
Everyday
Only in historical reminiscence or discussion of outdated medical advice (e.g., 'My mother kept syrup of ipecac in the 1970s').
Technical
Used in medical journals, toxicology, and pharmacology to refer to the specific botanical extract and its historical therapeutic use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the past, some people used ipecac syrup for poisoning.
- The paediatrician explained why inducing vomiting with ipecac is no longer recommended for accidental ingestions.
- Ipecacuanha, from which the emetic ipecac is derived, is a plant native to Brazil and Central America.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'I PEC (picture) AC (a child) being given a bad-tasting syrup to make them sick.' The word sounds like 'icky-pack', which fits its unpleasant purpose.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not applicable for this highly specific, concrete noun.]
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "перика" (perika/wig) or "ипекакуана" (ipecacuanha, the direct loanword, which is the full technical name).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'ipecak', 'ipekak', or 'ipeacac'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I ipecacked the child' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary use of ipecac?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is no longer recommended by medical bodies. It can be ineffective and cause harmful complications. Activated charcoal and direct medical care are now the standards.
It is a shortening of 'ipecacuanha', which comes from Portuguese, from the Tupi-Guarani indigenous words 'ipe' (low) + 'kaa' (leaves) + 'gua' (to cause vomiting) + 'ene' (similar to).
No, it is solely a noun. The correct phrasing would be 'administer ipecac' or 'give ipecac'.
In common usage, they refer to the same thing. 'Ipecac' is the shortened, more common form. 'Ipecacuanha' is the full botanical/pharmacological name for the plant and its root.