Epsom salt

American  

noun

1. Chemistry, Pharmacology. Often Epsom salts. hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO 4 ⋅7H 2 O, occurring as small colorless crystals: used in fertilizers, the dyeing of fabrics, leather tanning, etc., and in medicine chiefly as a cathartic.

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Etymology

Origin of Epsom salt

1760–70; after Epsom; so called from its presence in the local mineral water

Example Sentences

The customer sits in the chair for the entire day, and when it’s over, Miriam’s fingers are so blistered that the others rush to get her an Epsom salt soak.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

I’m a bathing beauty and an ex-Broadway showgirl, so I like to soak in the bath with Epsom salt.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2023

Some swear by float therapy, a unique experience where 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt transforms the density of the water, effortlessly suspending you in a warm bath.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2022

Antibiotics and Epsom salt soaks eventually healed Boren’s foot.

From Washington Post • Jul. 30, 2022

Pop Pop says the best way to soothe the soreness is to sit in a bath of Epsom salt.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles