scammony

SCAM'MONY, n. [L. scammonia.]

1. A plant of the genus convolvulus.

2. A gum resin, obtained from the plant of that name, of a blackish gray color, a strong nauseous smell, and a bitter and very acrid taste. The best scammony comes from Aleppo, in light spungy masses, easily friable. That of Smyrna is black, ponderous, and mixed with extraneous matter.