Pronunciation: [lˈə͡ʊzənd͡ʒɪz] (IPA) 
The word "lozenges" is spelled with a "z" in the middle, even though it sounds like it should be spelled with an "s". This is because the "g" in "lozenge" is pronounced like a "j" sound, as in "judge". Therefore, the "z" is used to represent the "zh" sound in IPA phonetic transcription ([ləˈzɛndʒɪz]). So the next time you reach for a throat lozenge, remember it's spelled with a "z" for that distinctive "zh" sound.
Lozenges are small, often diamond-shaped, medicated tablets or candies that are designed to be dissolved slowly in the mouth. They are commonly used to relieve various symptoms of the throat and mouth, such as coughs, sore throats, and dry mouths. Lozenges typically contain active ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, or benzocaine, which provide soothing and numbing effects to alleviate discomfort.
Lozenges can come in various flavors and colors, making them more appealing to consume. The candy-like nature of lozenges often makes them more tolerable, especially for children or individuals who have difficulty swallowing regular tablets or capsules. They are a popular choice for cough and sore throat relief due to their ability to provide localized and immediate relief.
When consumed, lozenges slowly dissolve in the mouth, allowing the active ingredients to be released and absorbed through the lining of the throat. This direct contact with the affected area helps to provide temporary relief by coating and soothing the irritated tissues. Additionally, the act of sucking on a lozenge can stimulate saliva production, which can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
While lozenges are primarily used for medical purposes, they can also be found in non-medicated forms, such as throat lozenges that provide a refreshing sensation or simply act as a candy. However, it is important to note that lozenges should be taken as directed, and any underlying medical condition should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "lozenges" has its origins in the late Middle English period. It is derived from the Old French word "losange", which means "a figure having four equal sides, a rhombus". The Old French term itself comes from the Late Latin word "lausa", meaning "a small square tile". The sense of a small, diamond-shaped or rhombus-shaped tablet, often used for medicinal purposes, came about in the 16th century. The term "lozenges" is still commonly used today to describe small, flavored tablets or candies that dissolve slowly when consumed.
