Epsom salt

noun

1. Often Epsom salts. Chemistry, Pharmacology. hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO 4 ⋅7H 2 O, occurring as small colorless crystals: used in fertilizers, the dyeing of fabrics, leather tanning, etc., and in medicine chiefly as a cathartic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Epsom salt¹

1760–70; after Epsom; so called from its presence in the local mineral water

Example Sentences

Those who would prepare a magnesia from epsom-salt, may use the following process.

From Project Gutenberg

That which is made with the vitriolic acid, may be condensed into crystals similar in all respects to epsom-salt.

From Project Gutenberg