expectorant

[ ik-spek-ter-uhnt ]

adjective

1. promoting the discharge of phlegm or other fluid from the respiratory tract.

noun

1. an expectorant medicine.

expectorant

/ ɪkˈspɛktərənt /

adjective

1. promoting the secretion, liquefaction, or expulsion of sputum from the respiratory passages

noun

1. an expectorant drug or agent

expectorant

/ ĭk-spĕk′tər-ənt /

1. A drug that promotes the discharge of phlegm or mucus from the respiratory tract.

Word History and Origins

Origin of expectorant¹

1775–85; < Latin expectorant- (stem of expectorāns ), present participle of expectorāre to expectorate; -ant

Example Sentences

“By the 1930s, licorice bits loaded with the expectorant had blown up across and beyond the Nordic region, including Holland, the world's largest consumer of the treat. The tang of salmiak is so popular in the region today, it's used to flavor pastries, tobacco packets, and even meat dishes.”

From Salon

In India, 33 children died in 1998 after taking a contaminated cough expectorant.

From New York Times

Acetaminophen can help relieve aches and pains, and cold medications with expectorant can loosen up chest congestion.

From Seattle Times

By the time Columbus landed, indigenous populations in Central and South American were utilizing ipecacuanha, a root found in Brazil with expectorant and emetic properties and balsam, which is still used in some cold remedies today.

From Salon

Typical ingredients include a cough suppressant, an expectorant and an antihistamine, when better hydration or drinking hot tea with honey may be all someone really needs to quell a nagging cough.

From New York Times