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

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

Treatment involved a “toxic arsenal of emetics, laxatives, diuretics, and expectorants” as well as “lances, leeches, and blisters.”

From Washington Post

To address this, the scientists looked at research databases for relevant studies comparing honey and preparations that included it as an ingredient with usual care – mostly antihistamines, expectorants, cough suppressants and painkillers.

From The Guardian

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