Seidlitz powders

[ sed-lits ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a mild laxative consisting of tartaric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and Rochelle salt, which are dissolved separately, mixed, and drunk after effervescence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Seidlitz powders¹

First recorded in 1805–15; arbitrarily named after a Bohemian village

Example Sentences

Seidlitz-powders are perhaps a little too strong for frequent use in a tropical climate.

From Project Gutenberg

The Reverend Henry Lambent had been taking seidlitz powders every morning since the school feast.

From Project Gutenberg

The same reasons obtain for keeping seidlitz powders and other effervescing salts, such as vichy and kissingen, dry.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a pile of Seidlitz-powders-coloured correspondence, perhaps nine inches high, and it looked very businesslike.

From Project Gutenberg

Down at the general store at the cross-roads Pepper had purchased some firecrackers and also some seidlitz powders.

From Project Gutenberg