cathartic

Term: cathartic

Origin: Anc Greek

καθαρτικός/cathartikos(=fit for cleansing, purgative)

κάθαρσις/cathersis(=cleansing or emotional cleansing)

καθαίρω/cathero(verb) (=purify, purge)

>καθαρός/catharos(=pure, clean, clear of shame or guilt)

>κατά/cata(=prefix meaning absolute) + αείρω/aeiro(=lift, collect, take etc)

Definition

Cathartic is an agent that is acting as a laxative.