laxative
laxative — adjective
- laxativepositive
- more laxativecomparative
- most laxativesuperlative
1. describes food, drink, or medicine that helps the body get rid of solid waste fr
describes food, drink, or medicine that helps the body get rid of solid waste from the bowels more easily.
Prune juice is known for its natural laxative effect on the digestive system.
collocation: laxative effect
The doctor recommended a mild laxative tea for Mira's occasional constipation.
attributive use before noun
Some high-fiber foods have gentle laxative properties that help prevent constipation.
Liam's grandmother recommended eating figs for their natural laxative qualities.
- purgative
stronger effect; more technical and medical in register
- mildly loosening
descriptive phrase rather than standard synonym; less common
- binding
describes foods or medicines that cause constipation (the opposite effect)
文法句型
laxative + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). Common noun partners include 'effect', 'properties', 'qualities', and 'tea'. Cannot be used in comparative forms (*more laxative).
常見錯誤
laxative — noun
- laxativesingular
- laxativesplural
1. a natural food or medical preparation taken to help the body pass solid waste fr
a natural food or medical preparation taken to help the body pass solid waste from the bowels without difficulty.
Théo bought a gentle laxative from the pharmacy after three days of discomfort.
Natural laxatives such as prunes and flaxseed can work as well as store-bought products.
collocation: natural laxative
The doctor warned Layla not to use laxatives every day without medical advice.
Many elderly people take a mild laxative to deal with regular constipation.
- purgative
stronger effect; more formal and medical in tone
- bowel stimulant
more technical; used in medical contexts
- cathartic
very strong effect; primarily a clinical term
文法句型
take + laxative
use + laxative
laxative + verb
用法筆記
Countable when referring to a specific product or dose ('a laxative', 'two different laxatives'). Uncountable when referring to the general category ('Laxative should be used with care'). Common verbs: 'take', 'use', 'prescribe', 'recommend'.