sal volatile
/,sælvə'lætəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A medicinal preparation: A solution of ammonium carbonate in ammonia water and alcohol, often with added aromatic substances. It is used as a stimulant or restorative, especially for fainting or lightheadedness, traditionally administered by inhalation. 2. (Historical/Archaic): The term can refer to ammonium carbonate itself, a volatile salt.
Usage
- Sal volatile is an uncountable noun. It refers to the preparation as a substance, not individual units.
- It is primarily used in historical or medical contexts.
- Example: "The Victorian lady carried a vial of sal volatile in her reticule in case of a sudden swoon."
Examples
- The old-fashioned remedy, sal volatile, was often used to revive someone who had fainted.
- In the 19th century, sal volatile was a common household item in the medicine cabinet.
Advanced Usage
- "To administer sal volatile": To give the preparation to someone, typically by allowing them to smell it.
- The nurse quickly administered sal volatile to the patient who felt dizzy.
Variants and Related Words
- Ammonium carbonate (n): The primary chemical compound in sal volatile.
- Smelling salts (n, plural): A common modern term for a similar restorative preparation, often used interchangeably in general conversation, though not chemically identical.
- Aromatic spirits of ammonia (n): A more precise pharmaceutical name for a related preparation.
Synonyms
- Smelling salts (common modern equivalent)
- Restorative (general term for a reviving agent)
- Stimulant (general term for something that increases alertness)
Notes on Meaning
- The term is derived from New Latin, meaning "volatile salt."
- Its use has significantly declined in modern medicine, though the concept persists in products like smelling salts.
- It is a specific preparation, not just any ammonium salt solution.
Noun
- a solution of ammonium carbonate in ammonia water and alcohol