demulcent

[ dih-muhl-suhnt ]

adjective

1. soothing or mollifying, as a medicinal substance.

noun

1. a demulcent substance or agent, often mucilaginous, as for soothing or protecting an irritated mucous membrane.

demulcent

/ dɪˈmʌlsənt /

adjective

1. soothing; mollifying

noun

1. a drug or agent that soothes the irritation of inflamed or injured skin surfaces

Word History and Origins

Origin of demulcent¹

1725–35; < Latin dēmulcent- (stem of dēmulcēns, present participle of dēmulcere to stroke down, soften), equivalent to dē- de- + mulc ( ere ) to soothe + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of demulcent¹

C18: from Latin dēmulcēre to caress soothingly, from de- + mulcēre to stroke

Example Sentences

Honey acts as a demulcent, meaning it calms down irritated tissues by coating them.

From Seattle Times

No wonder the World Health Organization lists honey as a potential demulcent, a sugary liquid that coats the throat and soothes irritation.

From Time

The decoction acts as an effective demulcent and pain-killer in severe bruises.

From Project Gutenberg

From their demulcent and emollient properties, the leaves and immature fruit have long been in repute in the East for the preparation of poultices and fomentations.

From Project Gutenberg

While the absence of menthol in most Luden’s flavors make them toothsome, they do, unlike, say, Life Savers, contain pectin, a demulcent, which coats irritated mucous membranes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• balm
• cosmetic
• cream
• ointment
• salve