decongestant

[ dee-kuhn-jes-tuhnt ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a substance that relieves mucus congestion of the upper respiratory tract.

noun

1. any such substance.

decongestant

/ ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛstənt /

adjective

1. relieving congestion, esp nasal congestion

noun

1. a decongestant drug

decongestant

/ dē′kən-jĕs′tənt /

1. A medication that reduces congestion of the nose or sinuses, usually by causing vasoconstriction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decongestant¹

First recorded in 1945–50; de- + congest + -ant

Example Sentences

Q: A great natural decongestant is dried culinary thyme used to make tea.

From Seattle Times

Most over-the-counter cough and cold remedies contain the oral decongestant phenylephrine, which the Food and Drug Administration recently admitted is ineffective.

From Seattle Times

You can also take over-the-counter cold and flu medicines with decongestants or cough suppressants, though the experts didn’t recommend them strongly because they don’t work for everybody and can cause drowsiness.

From Seattle Times

CVS is taking off its shelves cold medicines that contain a decongestant that a Food and Drug Administration panel says doesn’t work.

From Washington Times

The drug store chain said it will remove a small number of oral decongestants that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient.

From Seattle Times