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.

---

Etymology

Origin of Epsom salt

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Epsom salt

I put Epsom salt with magnesium in the bath.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

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

Epsom salt or baking soda soaks have also been helpful for some people.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023

Everybody can find Epsom salt at the grocery store.”

From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2023

Soon, it'll be near evening and Daddy and I will walk slow back into the house where I'll pull the Epsom salt from the shelf fill the dishpan with warm water, massage his swelling hands.

From "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson