Collutorium

/kɒljuːˈtɔːriəm/ noun

Definition

A medicinal substance or preparation used for rinsing or treating the mouth, throat, or teeth.

Etymology

From Latin 'collutorium,' derived from 'colluere' (to rinse, wash thoroughly), with the '-torium' suffix indicating a place or instrument for an action. Related to English 'collude,' they share the prefix 'col-' (together).

Kelly Says

The Latin 'colluere' means to rinse thoroughly by washing together, and medieval physicians would prescribe specific 'collutoria' based on humoral theory—if your breath was too 'hot,' you'd get cooling herbs, and if too 'cold,' warming ones.

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