Med. [mod.L., a. Gr. κάθαρσις cleansing, purging, f. καθαίρειν to cleanse, purge, f. καθαρός clean.] Purgation of the excrements of the body; esp. evacuation of the bowels.
1803. Med. Jrnl., IX. 418. Causing vomiting, catharsis, or diabetes.
1875. H. C. Wood, Therap. (1879), 449. The production of catharsis is the surest mode of relief in general dropsy.
