Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Laxative

Laxative , adjective

[Latin laxativus mitigating, assuaging: compare French laxatif. See Lax, a.]

1.
Having a tendency to loosen or relax. — Milton
2.
(Medicine) Having the effect of loosening or opening the intestines, and relieving from constipation; -- opposed to astringent.
(Medicine) A laxative medicine. See the Note under Cathartic.