View synonyms for smelling salts

smelling salts

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

a preparation for smelling, essentially of ammonium carbonate with some agreeable scent, used as a stimulant and restorative.

smelling salts

a pungent preparation containing crystals of ammonium carbonate that has a stimulant action when sniffed in cases of faintness, headache, etc

First recorded in 1830–40

All, that is, save Nina's ayah, who opportunely produced a bottle of smelling-salts and passed it to the mem-sahib.

She relapsed into a weak giggle, and Hyacinth stooped for the bottle of smelling-salts, which had rolled under the sofa.

Oh, she is going to faint, cried dismayed Nathalie, while the mother rushed to the dresser for the smelling salts.

"It's made me positively ill," complained Mrs. Stuart, busy with her smelling-salts.

Mrs. Carroll, roused from her reading, laid aside her novel and bottle of smelling-salts to take the letter.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse