decongestant

[dee-kuhn-jes-tuhnt]

adjective

1. of or relating to a substance that relieves mucus congestion of the upper respiratory tract.

noun

1. any such substance.

decongestant

/ ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛstənt /

adjective

1. relieving congestion, esp nasal congestion

noun

1. a decongestant drug

decongestant

1. A medication that reduces congestion of the nose or sinuses, usually by causing vasoconstriction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decongestant¹

First recorded in 1945–50; de- + congest + -ant

Example Sentences

Marketed as quick relief for sore throats and stubborn coughs, these sweet syrups mix sugar, colour and flavouring with a cocktail of antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants.

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Q: A great natural decongestant is dried culinary thyme used to make tea.

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Most over-the-counter cough and cold remedies contain the oral decongestant phenylephrine, which the Food and Drug Administration recently admitted is ineffective.

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You can also take over-the-counter cold and flu medicines with decongestants or cough suppressants, though the experts didn’t recommend them strongly because they don’t work for everybody and can cause drowsiness.

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CVS is taking off its shelves cold medicines that contain a decongestant that a Food and Drug Administration panel says doesn’t work.

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