Definition

Noun: 1. A liquid medication administered into the nostrils: "Nose drops" refers to a medicated solution, typically dispensed from a small bottle with a dropper, that is instilled into the nasal passages to relieve congestion, treat infections, or moisturize dry nasal membranes. 2. Street names for heroin: In specific, informal contexts, "nose drops" can be a slang term for the illegal drug heroin.

Usage

• The term is primarily used as a countable noun, often in the plural form "nose drops," to refer to the medication itself. When referring to the act of using them, the verb "use" or "administer" is common.
• The slang usage for heroin is highly informal, context-dependent, and not part of standard English.

Examples

• As a medication:
  • The doctor recommended saline nose drops to relieve my baby's congestion.
  • I need to buy some medicated nose drops for my sinus infection.
• As slang for heroin (informal/niche):
  • The undercover agent heard the dealers refer to the substance as "nose drops." (This illustrates the slang usage within a specific context.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost always used in its plural form, even when referring to a single bottle or dose, due to the nature of the medication being administered in drops.
• In medical contexts, more precise terms like "intranasal decongestant drops," "saline nasal spray," or the specific drug name (e.g., "phenylephrine hydrochloride nasal drops") are often used.

Variants and Related Words

• Nasal spray (n): A similar medication delivered as a fine mist from a pressurized canister or pump bottle.
• Decongestant (n): A type of drug that relieves nasal congestion, which can come in the form of nose drops.
• Saline solution (n): A sterile mixture of salt and water, commonly used in nose drops for moisturizing.

Synonyms

• For the medication: Nasal drops, intranasal drops, decongestant drops.
• For the slang term: H, smack, horse, junk (all are informal/slang synonyms for heroin).

Notes on Meaning

The two meanings of "nose drops" belong to entirely different registers of English. The primary and standard meaning is a medicinal product. The secondary meaning is a piece of criminal or drug subculture slang. The intended meaning is entirely dependent on context. In general discourse, "nose drops" refers to the medication.

Noun

1. street names for heroin