sal volatile

[ sal voh-lat-l-ee ]

noun

1. an aromatic alcoholic solution of ammonium carbonate, the chief ingredient in smelling salts.

sal volatile

/ vɒˈlætɪlɪ /

noun

1. another name for ammonium carbonate
2. Also calledspirits of ammoniaarchaichartshorn a solution of ammonium carbonate in alcohol and aqueous ammonia, often containing aromatic oils, used as smelling salts

Word History and Origins

Origin of sal volatile¹

1645–55; < New Latin: volatile salt

Word History and Origins

Origin of sal volatile¹

C17: from New Latin: volatile salt

Example Sentences

The nurse brought her sal volatile, and washed the small cut above her eyebrow.

From Project Gutenberg

I had fears that I might find you alone in a darkened room, with tear-stained eyes and sal-volatile by your side.

From Project Gutenberg

He was drinking a dose of sal-volatile, and admiring its opal tint.

From Project Gutenberg

If I were her medical man, I should order her a dose of rhubarb and sal volatile.

From Project Gutenberg

An uneasy conscience?ah!for an uneasy conscience there is nothing better than sal volatile!

From Project Gutenberg