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

See Examples For:

Epsom salts

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

“Like you’ll see influencers taking a bath and then they’re like, ‘Oh, here, I’ve linked to Epsom salts on Amazon,’ and it’s, like, nobody asked you.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2023

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

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

He had returned, he said, because he had forgotten to take his Epsom salts.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela