Part 5

DESICCATIVE.--A medicine which dries up secretions, as Zinc Oxide, Camphor, etc.

DESICCATORY.--A medicine used externally to dry up moisture or fluids from wounds, as Tannic Acid, Starch, etc.

DESQUAMATION.--A medicine which removes scales from the skin, bones and mucous membranes, as Potassium Iodide, etc.

DETERGENT.--A substance for purifying and cleansing wounds, ulcers, as Hydrogen Peroxide, Soap and Water, etc.

DIAPHORETIC.--A medicine which causes an increased amount of perspiration, as Pilocarpine, Ginger, etc.

DIARRHETIC.--A substance or medicine which causes increased frequency and lessened consistency of fecal evacuations, as Mandrake.

DIETETIC.--A medicine having nutritious properties, as Olive or Cod Liver Oil, etc.

DIGESTANT.--A medicine that assists digestion of food, in the mouth, stomach or intestines, as Pancreatin, Pepsin, etc.

DIGESTIVE.--A medicine which promotes the process of digestion, as Gentian, Qussia, Nux Vomica, etc.

DILUENT.--A medicine that dilutes the secretions of organs, as Magnesium Sulphate, Gamboge, Arecoline, etc.

DISCUTIENT.--A substance or medicine having the power of causing an exudation to disappear, as Iodide of Potassium, Red Iodide of Mercury, etc.

DISINFECTANT.--A medicine which destroys septic poisons of communicable diseases; its special function is to kill or hinder the development of those germs or bacteria which produce diseases, as Carbolic Acid, Chloride of Lime, Formaldehyde, etc.

DISSOLVENT.--A medicine that promotes solution of tissues of the body, as Potassium Iodide, etc.

DIURETIC.--A medicine that increases the secretions of the urinary organs, as Potassium Nitrate, Buchu, Turpentine, Spirits Ether Nit, etc.

DRASTIC.--A medicine having a severe purgative or cathartic effect on the bowels, as Croton Oil, etc.

EBOLIC.--A medicine causing contraction of the uterus, and thus producing abortion, as Ergot, etc.

ELECTUARY.--A substance used to lessen irritability or increase the palatability of medicines, as Sugar, Honey, Molasses, Water, etc.

ELIMINATIVE.--A medicine having power of expelling or casting out, especially waste products, as Arecoline, Magnesium Sulphate, etc.

EMETIC.--A substance or medicine having the power to induce vomiting, as Apomorphine, Ipecac, etc.

EMMENAGOGUE.--A medicine which stimulates menstrual flow, as Potassium Permanganate, etc.

EMOLLIENT.--A substance used externally to soften, sooth and relax parts to which they are applied as vegetable poultices, oils, etc.

EPISPASTIC.--A medicine producing a blister, as Cantharides, Aqua Ammonia Fort, etc.

ERRHINE.--A medicine that increases nasal secretions, as Formalin, Capsicum, etc.

EVACUANT.--A medicine which causes the emptying of an organ, especially the bowels, as Magnesium Sulphate, Aloes, etc.

EXCITANT.--A medicine that arouses functional activity, as Nux Vomica, Alcohol, etc.

EXHILARANT.--A medicine which cheers or stimulates the mind, as Strychnine, Alcohol, etc.

EXPECTORANT.--A medicine that acts upon the pulmonary mucous membranes to increase or alter its secretions, as Lobelia, Chloride of Ammonia, etc.

FEBRIFUGE.--A medicine which lessens bodily temperature, as Quinine, Acetanilid, Aconite, etc.