A·pe'ri·ent adjective [ Latin aperiens , present participle of aperire to uncover, open; ab + parire , parere , to bring forth, produce. Confer Cover , Overt .] (Medicine) Gently opening the bowels; laxative. -- noun ... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/A/101
Aperient: Laxative. Used both as a noun (an aperient is a laxative) and adjective (prunes are an aperient fruit). From the Latin 'aperiens' meaning to uncover, open (in this case, the bowels) Found on http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22235