Spurge (noun)

1. A plant of a large genus that typically has a milky sap and small yellow or green flowers.
2. A purgative drug obtained from various plants.

Origin:

Late middle english (in the sense "purge"): via old french from latin purga, from purgare "to cleanse".

Examples:

1. The spurge plant is a common weed in gardens.
2. The spurge is used to make a popular purgative.
3. The spurge is a hardy, drought-resistant plant.
4. The sap of the spurge plant is poisonous.
5. The spurge is often used in traditional medicine.