seidlitz powder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteHistorical / Technical (Pharmacy) / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “seidlitz powder” mean?
An effervescent laxative consisting of two separate powders (one containing tartaric acid, the other sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulfate), which are mixed in water and drunk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An effervescent laxative consisting of two separate powders (one containing tartaric acid, the other sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulfate), which are mixed in water and drunk.
Historically, a common medical preparation used to relieve constipation; the term now primarily appears in historical, pharmaceutical, or idiomatic contexts to refer to something that causes a sudden, effervescent, or unsettling reaction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally archaic and rare in both dialects. No significant contemporary difference.
Connotations
Both associate it with old-fashioned or historical medicine; may connote quaintness or an outdated remedy.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern English. More likely found in historical novels, medical history texts, or as a metaphorical allusion.
Grammar
How to Use “seidlitz powder” in a Sentence
[Subject] took/takes Seidlitz powder.The [effect] was like (a dose of) Seidlitz powder.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seidlitz powder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The treatment involved seidlitzing the patient.
- He was thoroughly seidlitz-powdered.
American English
- The doctor recommended seidlitz-powdering for the condition.
- They seidlitzed him with the old remedy.
adjective
British English
- A Seidlitz-powder effect
- a Seidlitz-powder concoction
American English
- The Seidlitz-powder remedy
- a Seidlitz-powder reaction
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Might appear in historical or pharmaceutical papers discussing 18th-19th century medicine.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An older speaker might use it metaphorically.
Technical
Specific to historical pharmacy; obsolete in modern pharmacology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seidlitz powder”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seidlitz powder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seidlitz powder”
- Incorrectly spelling as 'Seidilitz', 'Sedlitz'.
- Using it as a common noun uncapitalized (e.g., 'a seidlitz powder').
- Assuming it is a modern, commonly understood term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical remedy and has been obsolete in mainstream medicine for over a century.
It is named after the mineral springs in Seidlitz (now Sadlec, Czech Republic), which produced water with similar purgative properties.
Almost exclusively in a metaphorical or historical sense, e.g., 'The controversial policy had a Seidlitz-powder effect on public opinion.'
Its extreme obscurity. Learners should be aware it is a 'museum piece' word, useful for understanding historical texts but not for active vocabulary.
An effervescent laxative consisting of two separate powders (one containing tartaric acid, the other sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulfate), which are mixed in water and drunk.
Seidlitz powder is usually historical / technical (pharmacy) / archaic in register.
Seidlitz powder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛdlɪts ˌpaʊdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈseɪdlɪts ˌpaʊdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Something] went off like Seidlitz powder.”
- “It had the effect of a Seidlitz powder.”
- “to be as unsettling as a dose of Seidlitz powder”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Seidlitz' sounding like 'settle it' but it does the opposite – it unsettles your stomach! It's a fizzy powder from a place called Seidlitz.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUDDEN, FIZZY, UNPLEASANT SURPRISE IS A DOSE OF SEIDLITZ POWDER (e.g., 'The news hit her like a Seidlitz powder').
Practice
Quiz
Seidlitz powder was primarily used as a...