a. and sb. [f. L. cārmināt- ppl. stem of cārmināre to card + -IVE.
‘A medical term from the old theory of humours. The object of carminatives is to expel wind, but the theory was that they dilute and relax the gross humours from whence the wind arises, combing them out like the knots in wool.’ Wedgwood.]
A. adj. Of medicines, etc.: Having the quality of expelling flatulence.
1655. in Phys. Dict.
1710. Addison, Tatler, No. 224, ¶ 8. The Carminitive Wind-expelling Pills.
1804. Med. Jrnl., XII. 555. Fennel … The seeds … supposed to be stomachic and carminative.
1875. H. C. Wood, Therap. (1879), 291. Chloroform … exerts … a stimulant carminative action.
B. sb. A carminative medicine or agent.
1671. Salmon, Syn. Med., III. xvi. 366. Carminatives are such as by a heating, rare and Anodyne quality expell winde.
1731. Swift, Strephon & Chloe. Carminative and Diuretick, Will damp all Passion Sympathetick.
1807. Med. Jrnl., XVII. 569. Peppermint water is well known as a carminative.
