mustard plaster
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A medicinal preparation, typically a paste or poultice, containing powdered black mustard seeds. It is applied to the skin to act as a counterirritant, causing localized redness (rubefaction) and warmth to relieve pain or congestion in deeper muscles or organs.
Usage
A mustard plaster is a historical home remedy used to treat chest congestion, muscle aches, and rheumatism. It is applied directly to the skin for a short, controlled period to stimulate blood flow. Prolonged application can cause burns or blistering.
Examples
- Noun:
- The old-fashioned doctor recommended a mustard plaster for her persistent chest cold.
- Applying a mustard plaster to his sore back provided temporary relief from the muscle pain.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Figurative Use: The term can be used figuratively to describe something harsh or stimulating that is meant to provoke a reaction.
- His criticism was a mustard plaster on the complacency of the organization.
Variants and Related Words
- Sinapism: (noun) A medical synonym for a mustard plaster.
- Poultice: (noun) A general term for a soft, moist mass of material applied to the body to relieve soreness or inflammation. A mustard plaster is a specific type of poultice.
- Counterirritant: (noun) A substance that creates superficial irritation to relieve deeper inflammation or pain.
Synonyms
- Sinapism
- Mustard poultice
Notes
This term refers to a specific, singular compound noun. It is not typically used in phrasal verb or idiomatic constructions outside of the figurative advanced usage noted.
Noun
- a plaster containing powdered black mustard; applied to the skin as a counterirritant or rubefacient