How Do You Spell EXPECTORANT?

Pronunciation: [ɛkspˈɛktəɹənt] (IPA)

Expectorant is a medication used to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up. The word is spelled as /ɪkˈspɛktərənt/, with the stress placed on the second syllable. The initial "ex" is pronounced as /ɪɡˈzɛkt/ with a voiced consonant, followed by the vowel sound /ɔː/ in the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced as /rənt/ with a schwa sound. The spelling of "expectorant" follows a common pattern in English of adding the suffix "-ant" to verbs to create nouns that describe a substance or agent.

EXPECTORANT Meaning and Definition

1. An expectorant is a medication or substance that promotes the expulsion of mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. It is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. By stimulating the production and clearance of mucus, expectorants facilitate the removal of excess secretions and aid in the relief of respiratory discomfort.

   Expectorants work by increasing the volume and fluidity of respiratory secretions, which helps to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. These substances assist the body's natural defense mechanism in expelling mucus and clearing the airways. They may accomplish this by either directly stimulating the cells lining the air passages or by diluting the mucus, reducing its viscosity and making it more manageable.

   Common expectorants found in over-the-counter medications include guaifenesin and ipecacuanha. These substances help to loosen and break up mucus in the airways, promoting a productive cough and easing breathing difficulties. However, it is important to note that expectorants should only be used to treat symptomatic relief and are not intended to cure underlying respiratory conditions.

   In summary, an expectorant is a medication or substance that assists in the removal of mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. It works by increasing the fluidity and clearance of mucus, helping to relieve coughs and chest congestion. Expectorants aid the body in expelling excess secretions and facilitate easier breathing.

2. 1. Promoting secretion from the mucous membrane of the air-passages or facilitating its expulsion. 2. An agent which increases bronchial secretion and facilitates its expulsion.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. • Having the quality of promoting expectoration.

   • A medicine that promotes discharges from the lungs.

   • That promotes the secretion of mucus in the lungs or air-passages.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for EXPECTORANT

• wxpectorant
• sxpectorant
• dxpectorant
• rxpectorant
• 4xpectorant
• 3xpectorant
• ezpectorant
• ecpectorant
• edpectorant
• espectorant
• exoectorant
• exlectorant
• ex-ectorant
• ex0ectorant
• expwctorant
• expextorant
• expextorrant
• expectorrent

Etymology of EXPECTORANT

The word "expectorant" has its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "expectorare", which means "to expel from the chest". This word is composed of two parts: "ex", meaning "out", and "pectoris", meaning "of the chest". Thus, the term "expectorant" refers to a substance or medication that helps in the expulsion of mucus or phlegm from the respiratory tract, primarily the chest.

Similar spelling words for EXPECTORANT

• expectantly,
• expectedness,
• expected,
• expectant,
• expectorate,
• expectoration,
• expectorator,
• ex­pectorant,
• expectable,
• expectation,
• expectancy.

Plural form of EXPECTORANT is EXPECTORANTS