smelling salts

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a preparation for smelling, essentially of ammonium carbonate with some agreeable scent, used as a stimulant and restorative.

smelling salts

plural noun

1. a pungent preparation containing crystals of ammonium carbonate that has a stimulant action when sniffed in cases of faintness, headache, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of smelling salts¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

All, that is, save Nina's ayah, who opportunely produced a bottle of smelling-salts and passed it to the mem-sahib.

From Project Gutenberg

She relapsed into a weak giggle, and Hyacinth stooped for the bottle of smelling-salts, which had rolled under the sofa.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, she is going to faint, cried dismayed Nathalie, while the mother rushed to the dresser for the smelling salts.

From Project Gutenberg

"It's made me positively ill," complained Mrs. Stuart, busy with her smelling-salts.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Carroll, roused from her reading, laid aside her novel and bottle of smelling-salts to take the letter.

From Project Gutenberg