decongestant

American  

[dee-kuhn-jes-tuhnt] / ˌdi kənˈdʒɛs tənt /

adjective

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

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noun

1. any such substance.

decongestant British  

/ ˌdiːkənˈdʒɛstənt /

adjective

1. relieving congestion, esp nasal congestion

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noun

1. a decongestant drug

decongestant Scientific  

/ dē′kən-jĕs′tənt /

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

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Etymology

Origin of decongestant

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.

From BBC

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

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.

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Times