Gargarism

/ˈɡɑrɡərɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The act of gargling; a liquid or medicinal preparation intended to be gargled as a throat treatment.

Etymology

From Greek 'gargariazein' (to gargle), the suffix '-ism' converts it into a noun describing the practice or a substance used for this purpose.

Kelly Says

Before antibiotics, gargling with salt water or medicinal solutions was serious medicine—people believed they were flushing out diseases with their gargles, and sometimes it actually did help!

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