A substance that soothes and softens irritated tissues, especially in the mouth or throat; anything that has a soothing effect.
From Latin 'demulcens,' present participle of 'demulcere.' Used in medicine since the 1600s to describe remedies that reduce irritation and inflammation.
Honey, slippery elm, and marshmallow are classic demulcents—they literally coat your throat like a protective blanket, which is why your grandmother gave you honey for a cough long before modern medicine.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.