DEPURANTIA
\dɪpjˈʊɹanʃə], \dɪpjˈʊɹanʃə], \d_ɪ_p_j_ˈʊ_ɹ_a_n_ʃ_ə]\
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from depurare (de and purus), 'to purify.' (F.) Depurans, Depuratifs. Medicines were formerly so called, which were supposed to possess the property of removing, from the mass of blood or humours, those principles which disturbed their purity; and of directing them towards some one of the natural emunctories. The juices of what were called anti-scorbutic herbs, sulphur, and many other medicines, were ranked under this class.
By Robley Dunglison
Word of the day
hydromorphic
- [Greek] Structurally adapted to an aquatic environment, as organs of water plants.