sal volatile

noun

sal vo·la·ti·le ˌsal-və-ˈla-tə-lē

: smelling salts

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, volatile salt

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sal volatile was in 1654

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Browse Nearby Words

salvo

sal volatile

salvy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sal volatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sal%20volatile. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Medical Definition

sal volatile

noun

sal vo·la·ti·le ˌsal-və-ˈlat-ᵊl-ē

1

: ammonium carbonate

2

: smelling salts

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