Defn: An aromatic and pungent plant of the genus Mentha (M. piperita), much used in medicine and confectionery.
2. A volatile oil (oil of peppermint) distilled from the fresh herb; also, a well-known essence or spirit (essence of peppermint) obtained from it.
3. A lozenge of sugar flavored with peppermint. Peppermint camphor. (Chem.) Same as Menthol. — Peppermint tree (Bot.), a name given to several Australian species of gum tree (Eucalyptus amygdalina, E. piperita, E. odorata, etc.) which have hard and durable wood, and yield an essential oil.
PEPPERWORT
Pep"per*wort`, n. (Bot.)
Defn: See Peppergrass.
PEPPERY
Pep"per*y, a.
1. Of or pertaining to pepper; having the qualities of pepper; hot; pungent.
2. Fig.: Hot-tempered; passionate; choleric.
PEPSIN
Pep"sin, n. Etym: [Gr. pepsine. Cf. Dyspepsia.] (Physiol. Chem.)
Defn: An unorganized proteolytic ferment or enzyme contained in the secretory glands of the stomach. In the gastric juice it is united with dilute hydrochloric acid (0.2 per cent, approximately) and the two together constitute the active portion of the digestive fluid. It is the active agent in the gastric juice of all animals.