deobstructive

English

Etymology

de- + obstructive

Adjective

deobstructive (comparative more deobstructive, superlative most deobstructive)

  1. Having the effect of deobstructing (clearing a passage, etc. of obstructions).
    • 1672, Edmund Borlase, Latham Spaw in Lancashire with Some Remarkable Cases and Cures Effected by It, London: Robert Clavel, p. 27,
      In the weaker and finest bodies Manna may be sufficient, [] or my Deobstructive powder, which I have observed hath done singularly well.
    • 1860, uncredited translator, The Epigrams of Martial, London: Henry G. Bohn, Epigram 47, p. 153,
      There coleworts might you see of noblest shoot;
      There might admire each lettuce, leek, and root;
      But, above all, the deobstructive beet;
    • 1916, William Ewart, “Deseases of the Thorax and its Viscera” in Progressive Medicine, Volume 3, September, 1916, p. 94,
      [] to regulate the bowel, by diet and mechanical methods (including, if necessary, deobstructive surgery);

Noun

deobstructive (plural deobstructives)

  1. Something that has the effect of deobstructing.
    • 1885, Samuel M. Bemiss, “Malarial Fevers” in William Pepper (ed.), A System of Practical Medicine, Philadelphia: Lea Brothers, Volume 1, Chapter , p. 613,
      [] by setting up currents through the kidneys [] it [turpentine] has acted as a renal deobstructive.
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