Definition

1. Noun (plural in form, singular in use):
   • A medicinal compound: Epsom salts is a white, crystalline compound of hydrated magnesium sulfate, used primarily as a laxative to relieve constipation. It can also be used to soothe sore muscles in baths and, under medical supervision, injected to prevent certain types of seizures.

Usage

• Epsom salts is treated as a singular noun despite the "s" ending (e.g., "Epsom salts is a common remedy").
• It is most commonly used to refer to the substance for its laxative or therapeutic bath purposes.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor recommended a dose of Epsom salts for relief.
  • Adding Epsom salts to a warm bath can help relax tired muscles.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical/Medical Context: In precise terminology, it is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O). Its medical uses extend beyond oral laxatives to include intravenous administration for conditions like eclampsia.
  • In the hospital, magnesium sulfate, the active compound in Epsom salts, was administered intravenously.

Variants and Related Words

• Magnesium sulfate (n): The chemical name for the primary compound in Epsom salts.
• Bath salts (n): A general term for soluble salts added to bathwater, which often includes Epsom salts for its purported soothing properties.

Synonyms

• Laxative (n): A general term for a substance that relieves constipation. (Epsom salts is a specific type of laxative.)
• Magnesium sulfate (n): The scientific name for the compound.

Noun

1. (used with a singular noun) hydrated magnesium sulfate used as a laxative
2. hydrated magnesium sulfate that is taken orally to treat heartburn and constipation and injected to prevent seizures