collutory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareObsolete / Historical Medical
Quick answer
What does “collutory” mean?
A medicated mouthwash.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medicated mouthwash; a liquid preparation for rinsing the mouth and treating oral conditions.
Historically, any medicinal rinse for the mouth, throat, or gums.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No current regional differences exist, as the word is obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical and technical.
Frequency
Not used in contemporary speech or writing in either dialect.
Grammar
How to Use “collutory” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed [a collutory] for [gingivitis].[A collutory] containing [sage and myrrh] was used.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “collutory” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The apothecary would collutorise the inflamed gums.
- (Note: 'collutorise' is an even rarer derived verb).
American English
- The dentist recommended collutorizing twice daily.
- (Note: 'collutorize' is an even rarer derived verb).
adverb
British English
- He rinsed collutorily, as instructed.
- (Extremely rare and non-standard)
American English
- She applied the medicine collutorily to the affected area.
- (Extremely rare and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The collutory solution was kept in a blue bottle.
- He followed a collutory regimen.
American English
- A collutory preparation was listed in the old formulary.
- She used a collutory treatment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Found only in historical or philological studies of medical terminology.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Obsolete term in dentistry and pharmacy; modern professionals use 'mouthwash' or specific chemical names.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “collutory”
- Misspelling as 'colutory' or 'collutary'.
- Using it in modern contexts instead of 'mouthwash'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete term. 'Mouthwash' or 'oral rinse' are the standard modern terms.
It comes from the Late Latin 'collutōrium', from 'colluere' meaning 'to rinse or wash'.
Only if you are specifically discussing historical medical practices or the history of the term itself.
It is etymologically related to 'ablution' (act of washing) and 'dilute' (to make thinner by adding water).
A medicated mouthwash.
Collutory is usually obsolete / historical medical in register.
Collutory: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈljuːt(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈluːtəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'COLLect and rinse your mOUTORY' - a collection for your mouth story.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID AS MEDICINE
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'collutory' today?