expectorant

noun

ex·pec·to·rant ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt

: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract

broadly : an antitussive agent

expectorant adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The active ingredient is eucalyptus, which is a natural expectorant that helps to loosen mucus, which can ease coughing, open nasal passages, and soothe a sore throat. —

Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 23 June 2023 Cold medications are typically made up of multiple ingredients, including pain relievers, nasal decongestants and cough suppressants or expectorants. —

Macarius Mwinisungee Donneyong, Fortune Well, 21 Apr. 2023 Cough suppressants, expectorants, and antihistamines are generally thought to be safe. —

Debra Manzella, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023 According to the National Library of Medicine, asafoetida has been used as a cough expectorant, an anti-spasmodic and to kill parasites or worms. —

Shalbha Sarda, CNN, 11 Jan. 2023 Therapeutic uses range from antiseptic, expectorant, stimulant, and tonic [1]. —

Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2014 Licorice root is traditionally used as an expectorant to help relieve coughs. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022 Parts of the plant can be used as an expectorant, and the leaves were once used for treating tuberculosis. —

Latria Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2022 My mother knew the spice’s sulfur compounds as an antiseptic, an antispasmodic, a digestive, a diuretic, an expectorant, a sedative, and a laxative. —

Madhur Jaffrey, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expectorant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.