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Synonyms

expectorant

American  
[ik-spek-ter-uhnt] / ɪkˈspɛk tər ənt /

adjective

  1. promoting the discharge of phlegm or other fluid from the respiratory tract.


noun

  1. an expectorant medicine.

expectorant British  
/ ɪkˈspɛktərənt /

adjective

  1. promoting the secretion, liquefaction, or expulsion of sputum from the respiratory passages

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. an expectorant drug or agent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
expectorant Scientific  
/ ĭk-spĕktər-ənt /
  1. A drug that promotes the discharge of phlegm or mucus from the respiratory tract.


Etymology

Origin of expectorant

1775–85; < Latin expectorant- (stem of expectorāns ), present participle of expectorāre to expectorate; see -ant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Acetaminophen can help relieve aches and pains, and cold medications with expectorant can loosen up chest congestion.

From Seattle Times Dec. 23, 2021

It may help ease a cough, though: In one study, coughers got more relief from drinking a imxture of instant coffee and honey than mixtures containing a common expectorant or a steroid.

From Time Nov. 10, 2016

Less frequently, hydrocodone is combined with an antihistamine, nasal decongestant, or expectorant as a cough suppressant/cold medicine.

From Forbes Aug. 22, 2014

Garlic also acts as an expectorant, making it easier to cough up mucus and clear the sinuses.

From US News Dec. 13, 2013

Internally, used for.—For sweating, expectorant, bronchitis, dyspepsia and dysmenorrhea.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Thomas Jefferson Ritter

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