smelling-bottle
Definition
Noun: A small container, typically of glass, that holds aromatic salts or pungent substances (such as smelling salts) intended to be inhaled, especially to relieve faintness, headache, or to revive someone who has fainted.
Usage Examples
- (A container of aromatic salts used for revival.)
- (A portable vessel for smelling salts.)
- (A device for administering pungent fumes.)
Advanced Usage
- "to reach for the smelling-bottle": to seek a stimulant or restorative, often in response to shock or strong emotion.
- Upon hearing the scandalous news, the dowager reached for her smelling-bottle. (She sought a physical remedy for sudden distress.)
Variants and Related Words
Smelling salts (n, plural): a preparation of ammonium carbonate and perfume, used as a stimulant.
- Smelling salts are the contents typically placed inside a smelling-bottle. (The substance itself, not the container.)
Smelling-bottle (n, historical): sometimes spelled "smelling bottle" (two words) in modern usage.
- The antique shop had a collection of Victorian smelling bottles. (An alternative spelling variant.)
Synonyms
- Vinaigrette: a small ornamental box or bottle used for smelling salts or aromatic vinegar.
- Scent bottle: a container for perfume, but historically also used for restorative salts.
Related Idioms
- To be in need of a smelling-bottle: to be overly sensitive or prone to fainting, often used humorously.
- He was so shocked by the price that he looked like he needed a smelling-bottle. (He appeared dramatically affected.)