a. and sb. [ad. L. aperient-em, pr. pple. of aperī-re (orig. āperī-re) to open, f. ā = ab off, away + par(i)-ĕre to get; cf. Eng. undo.] A. adj. Opening the bowels; laxative. B. sb. [sc. medicine, article of diet.]
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 961 (J.). They be of Three Intentions: Refrigerant; Corroborant; and Aperient.
1674. Grew, Anat. Plants, iii. (1682), 257. Agrimony an Aperient.
1765. Tucker, Lt. Nat., II. 234. Air, exercise, proper regimen of diet, and aperients may relieve them.
1872. Baker, Nile Trib., i. 6. A small piece … renders the draught a strong aperient.
