Word Study
elaterium
CIDE DICTIONARY
elaterium, n. [L., fr. Gr. , neut. of driving. See 2d Elater.].
A cathartic substance obtained, in the form of yellowish or greenish cakes, as the dried residue of the juice of the wild or squirting cucumber (Ecballium agreste , formerly called Momordica Elaterium ). [1913 Webster]
For further exploring for "elaterium" in Webster Dictionary Online