Catocathartic

/ˌkætoʊkəˈθɑrtɪk/ adjective

Definition

A variant or alternative form of catocarthartic, referring to substances with strong purgative effects.

Etymology

Greek 'kata' (down) repeated or emphasized + 'cathartic'. The duplication may reflect intensification in medical terminology.

Kelly Says

This word shows how medical Latin and Greek sometimes created redundant terms—doubling prefixes for emphasis, much like how we might say 'really, really strong' instead of just 'strong.'

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