Definition

Noun: A commercial antacid that contains aspirin; tablets dissolve in water to give an effervescent solution. It is a brand name for a medication used to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, acid indigestion, and headaches.

Usage

"Alka-Seltzer" is a proper noun and a trademark. It is typically used to refer to the specific brand of effervescent antacid and pain relief tablets. It is often used generically to describe similar fast-acting, fizzing remedies.

Examples

• She took an Alka-Seltzer to settle her upset stomach.
• For a hangover, some people swear by drinking Alka-Seltzer.
• The Alka-Seltzer tablet fizzed and dissolved quickly in the glass of water.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides quick, effervescent, or temporary relief to a problem.
  • The new policy was just an Alka-Seltzer for the company's deeper financial issues.

Variants and Related Words

• Antacid (n): A substance that neutralizes stomach acidity.
• Analgesic (n): A drug that relieves pain (like the aspirin component).
• Effervescent (adj): Giving off bubbles; fizzing.

Synonyms

• Antacid tablet
• Effervescent pain reliever
• (Note: As a specific brand name, there are no perfect synonyms, but these describe its function.)

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Like Alka-Seltzer: Used to describe something that works quickly and noticeably, often with a fizzing or bubbling effect.
  • The news hit the market like Alka-Seltzer, causing immediate activity.

Noun

1. a commercial antacid that contains aspirin; tablets dissolve in water to give an effervescent solution