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

/ dē′kən-jĕs′tənt /

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

She took an over-the-counter decongestant, but that didn’t help.

From Washington Post