Antitussive

/ˌæntiˈtʌsɪv/ adjective

Definition

Effective at reducing or stopping coughs; any substance that suppresses the cough reflex.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + tussive (relating to cough, from Latin tussis, cough + -ive, tending to). This medical term emerged when cough suppressants were developed.

Kelly Says

Antitussive drugs like dextromethorphan work by calming the cough center in your brain—they don't treat the cold itself but make you stop hacking so you can actually sleep and heal.

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