smelling-salts

A nurse gently waves a small bottle of smelling-salts under the patient's nose.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A restorative substance: "smelling-salts" refers to a preparation, typically containing ammonium carbonate and aromatic compounds, used to revive someone who feels faint or dizzy by inhalation.
   • Historical medical aid: Historically, it was a common household remedy for fainting spells, often carried in small bottles.

Usage Examples

• (Used to restore consciousness.)
• (Carried as a precautionary item.)

Advanced Usage

• "to give someone smelling-salts": to revive or shock someone out of a stupor or emotional distress.

  • The shocking revelation acted like smelling-salts, jolting him back to reality. (Metaphorical use meaning a sudden awakening.)

• "as sharp as smelling-salts": an idiomatic expression describing something that is pungent or potent.

  • The vinegar was as sharp as smelling-salts, making her eyes water. (Describing a strong, acrid smell.)

Variants and Related Words

• Smelling-salt (n, singular): an individual bottle or dose of the substance (rarely used).

  • He offered her a single dose of smelling-salt from his pocket. (A specific unit.)

• Sal volatile (n): another term for smelling-salts, derived from Latin meaning "volatile salt."

  • The nurse used sal volatile to revive the patient. (Synonymous with smelling-salts.)

Synonyms

• Restorative: something that restores health or consciousness.
• Reviver: a substance or action that brings someone back to awareness.

Related Idioms

• "to need smelling-salts": used humorously to describe someone who is shocked or overwhelmed.

  • When she heard the price of the dress, she looked like she needed smelling-salts. (Exaggerated reaction to a surprise.)

• "smelling-salts for the soul": a figurative expression for something that provides emotional revival or comfort.

  • A walk in the fresh air was like smelling-salts for his weary spirit. (Metaphorical revival.)