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Webster 1913 Edition


Demulcent

De-mul′cent

,
Adj.
[L.
demulcens
, p. pr. of
demulcere
.]
Softening; mollifying; soothing; assuasive;
as, oil is
demulcent
.

De-mul′cent

,
Noun.
(Med.)
A substance, usually of a mucilaginous or oily nature, supposed to be capable of soothing an inflamed nervous membrane, or protecting it from irritation. Gum Arabic, glycerin, olive oil, etc., are demulcents.

Webster 1828 Edition


Demulcent

DEMULCENT

,
Adj.
[L. To stroke, to soften; allied perhaps to mollis, mellow.] Softening; mollifying; lenient; as, oil is demulcent.

DEMULCENT

,
Noun.
Any medicine which lessens acrimony, or the effects of stimulus on the solids; that which softens or mollifies; as gums, roots of marsh-mallows, and other mucilaginous substances.