Definition

1. Noun:
   • Medicine intended to relieve the symptoms of the common cold: "Cold medicine" refers to any pharmaceutical preparation, typically available over-the-counter, designed to alleviate the various symptoms associated with a common cold, such as cough, congestion, sore throat, and fever.

Usage

• "Cold medicine" is a non-count noun. It refers to the general category of medication. You do not typically say "a cold medicine" or "cold medicines" in everyday usage, though these forms can be used when comparing specific brands or types.
• It is commonly used with verbs like , , , or .

Examples

• Noun:
  • I need to buy some cold medicine for my cough and congestion.
  • The pharmacist recommended a specific cold medicine for my symptoms.
  • It's important to read the label carefully before taking any cold medicine.

Advanced Usage

• "Over-the-counter cold medicine": This specifies medicine that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription.
  • Most cold medicines are available over-the-counter.
• "Children's cold medicine": A formulation specifically designed for children, with adjusted dosages.
  • Never give adult cold medicine to a child; always use children's cold medicine.

Variants and Related Words

• Decongestant (n): A type of medicine that relieves nasal congestion, often an ingredient in cold medicine.
  • This cold medicine contains a decongestant to help clear a stuffy nose.
• Antitussive (n): A type of medicine that suppresses coughing, often an ingredient in cold medicine.
  • Look for an antitussive if your main symptom is a persistent cough.
• Expectorant (n): A type of medicine that helps loosen mucus in the chest, often an ingredient in cold medicine.
  • An expectorant in the cold medicine can make a cough more productive.

Synonyms

• Remedy for the common cold: A more formal or descriptive phrase.
• Cold remedy: A slightly less formal synonym.
• Cold and flu medicine: A broader term that also covers influenza symptoms.

Related Phrases

• Take cold medicine: The standard phrase for consuming this medication.
  • You should take the cold medicine with a full glass of water.
• Dose of cold medicine: Refers to a single measured quantity.
  • Do not exceed the recommended dose of cold medicine.

Noun

1. medicine intended to relieve the symptoms of the common cold