Epsom salts

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: a bitter colorless or white crystalline salt MgSO₄·7H₂O that is a hydrated magnesium sulfate with cathartic properties

Word History

Etymology

Epsom, England

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Epsom salts

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: a bitter white crystalline salt MgSO₄·7H₂O that is a hydrated magnesium sulfate with cathartic properties

called also bitter salts