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Synonyms

expectorant

American  
[ik-spek-ter-uhnt] / ɪkˈspɛk tər ənt /

adjective

  1. promoting the discharge of phlegm or other fluid from the respiratory tract.


noun

  1. an expectorant medicine.

expectorant British  
/ ɪkˈspɛktərənt /

adjective

  1. promoting the secretion, liquefaction, or expulsion of sputum from the respiratory passages

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. an expectorant drug or agent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
expectorant Scientific  
/ ĭk-spĕk′tər-ənt /
  1. A drug that promotes the discharge of phlegm or mucus from the respiratory tract.


Etymology

Origin of expectorant

1775–85; < Latin expectorant- (stem of expectorāns ), present participle of expectorāre to expectorate; see -ant


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Acetaminophen can help relieve aches and pains, and cold medications with expectorant can loosen up chest congestion.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 23, 2021

It may help ease a cough, though: In one study, coughers got more relief from drinking a imxture of instant coffee and honey than mixtures containing a common expectorant or a steroid.

From Time ● Nov. 10, 2016

Peppermint essential oil acts as an expectorant, meaning it clears the airways of mucus, which, in this case, is caused by an allergic reaction.

From US News ● Oct. 18, 2016

Less frequently, hydrocodone is combined with an antihistamine, nasal decongestant, or expectorant as a cough suppressant/cold medicine.

From Forbes ● Aug. 22, 2014

Thus as it passes out by the bronchial mucous membrane it increases the amount of secretion and so acts as an expectorant.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2 "Anjar" to "Apollo" by Various

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