demulcent

adjective

de·mul·cent | \ di-ˈməl-sənt

How to pronounce demulcent (audio)

\

Definition of demulcent

(Entry 1 of 2)

: soothing

demulcent

noun

Definition of demulcent (Entry 2 of 2)

: a usually mucilaginous or oily substance (such as tragacanth) that can soothe or protect an abraded mucous membrane

Did you know?

Adjective

Demulcent derives from the Latin verb demulcēre, meaning "to soothe." Demulcēre in turn comes from a combination of the prefix de- and mulcēre, an earlier verb that also means "to soothe." As an adjective, demulcent often applies to the soothing nature of some medicines, but you can also use it to describe such things as a soothing voice or a soothing demeanor. The noun demulcent is used for a gelatinous or oily substance that is capable of soothing inflamed or abraded mucous membranes and protecting them from further irritation.

Learn More About demulcent

Listen to Our Podcast About demulcent

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries Near demulcent

demulcent

Statistics for demulcent

Cite this Entry

“Demulcent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demulcent. Accessed 25 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for demulcent

demulcent

adjective

de·mul·cent | \ di-ˈməl-sᵊnt

\

Medical Definition of demulcent

(Entry 1 of 2)

: tending to soothe or soften demulcent expectorants which give a protective coating to the throat — Therapeutic Notes

demulcent

noun

Medical Definition of demulcent (Entry 2 of 2)

: a usually mucilaginous or oily substance (as tragacanth) capable of soothing or protecting an abraded mucous membrane

WORD OF THE DAY

noisome

Listen to the pronunciation of noisome

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words Named After People

Namesake of the leotard, Jules Léotard had what profession?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ