expectorant
noun
ex·pec·to·rant
ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt 
: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract
broadly
: an antitussive agent
expectorant
adjective
Examples of expectorant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This category includes drugs advertised as cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan, which is supposed to lower the frequency of cough) or expectorants (e.g., guaifenesin, which theoretically helps make coughing more effective at getting the gunk out).
—
Keren Landman, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Both medications contain a cough suppressant, but Robitussin-DM also has an expectorant to help loosen mucus.
—Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024
Antidiarrheals, decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and expectorants, for example, can come with some possible risks.
—Sarah Bradley, Parents, 22 July 2024
Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion are both OTC expectorants.
—Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024
There were antibiotics to knock out the sinusitis, a high-dose course of prednisone, an expectorant to help drain the mush out of my face and famotidine to prevent any reflux from further irritating the vocal anatomy.
—Dessa Dessa Tanya Pérez Alec K. Redfearn, New York Times, 12 June 2024
The key is to look for an chest congestion ointment with the active ingredient eucalyptus, which is a natural expectorant that helps to loosen mucus.
—Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 11 June 2024
Hot drinks, humidifiers, some herbal products, and medications like expectorants can all be helpful for chest congestion.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 3 Sep. 2023
Pleurisy root is traditionally used as an expectorant to help relieve coughs.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022
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Keren Landman, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Both medications contain a cough suppressant, but Robitussin-DM also has an expectorant to help loosen mucus.
—Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024
Antidiarrheals, decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and expectorants, for example, can come with some possible risks.
—Sarah Bradley, Parents, 22 July 2024
Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion are both OTC expectorants.
—Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024
There were antibiotics to knock out the sinusitis, a high-dose course of prednisone, an expectorant to help drain the mush out of my face and famotidine to prevent any reflux from further irritating the vocal anatomy.
—Dessa Dessa Tanya Pérez Alec K. Redfearn, New York Times, 12 June 2024
The key is to look for an chest congestion ointment with the active ingredient eucalyptus, which is a natural expectorant that helps to loosen mucus.
—Jeannette Moninger, Parents, 11 June 2024
Hot drinks, humidifiers, some herbal products, and medications like expectorants can all be helpful for chest congestion.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 3 Sep. 2023
Pleurisy root is traditionally used as an expectorant to help relieve coughs.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Expectorant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectorant. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expectorant
noun
ex·pec·to·rant
ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt
: an agent that promotes the discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract
expectorant
adjective
Medical Definition
expectorant
1 of 2 adjective
ex·pec·to·rant
ik-ˈspek-t(ə-)rənt
: having the activity of an expectorant
expectorant
2 of 2 noun
: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract
broadly
: antitussive
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