Epsom salts

British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) a medicinal preparation of hydrated magnesium sulphate, used as a purgative

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Epsom salts Scientific  

/ ĕp′səm /

1. A bitter, colorless, crystalline salt, used in making textiles, in fertilizers, for medical purposes, and as an additive to bath water to soothe the skin. Chemical formula: MgSO ₄ ·7H ₂ O.

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Etymology

Origin of Epsom salts

C18: named after _Epsom , where they occur naturally in the water

Example Sentences

He quickly noticed the laxative effect for which Epsom salts would become world-famous, drawing hordes of stopped-up tourists to the town for decades to come.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2024

Q: What do you think of heating Epsom salts in the microwave and soaking one’s hands in the warm water for 10 minutes or so to help with arthritis pain?

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2023

Luxuriating in a tub of Epsom salts might be relaxing, but it won’t help your dry feet.

From Washington Post • Jan. 19, 2022

Fortunately for Henry, the Titans earned a first-round playoff bye, giving him another week to soak his feet in Epsom salts, fancy-like.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2022

My grandmother leans back in her brown chair, her feet still in the Epsom salts water, her fingers tapping out some silent tune.

From "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson