smelling salts

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a preparation for smelling, essentially of ammonium carbonate with some agreeable scent, used as a stimulant and restorative.

smelling salts

plural noun

1. a pungent preparation containing crystals of ammonium carbonate that has a stimulant action when sniffed in cases of faintness, headache, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of smelling salts¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Tears streaking her face, Khin Win was revived with smelling salts as she sat at the Buddhist ceremony.

From Reuters

Clutch your bosom and reach for the smelling salts.

From Los Angeles Times

The pundits all called for the smelling salts and Wilson was later reprimanded by Congress and subsequently issued an apology.

From Salon

Republicans trying to make a rousing and convincing arguments about their commitment to diversity reel off snippets of King’s speeches as if they’re cracking open an emergency vial of smelling salts.

From Washington Post

She kept smelling salts on hand to revive those who fainted from the trauma and handed out rafts of prescriptions for sedatives.

From Seattle Times