| expectorant | 1. Promoting the ejection, by spitting, of mucus or other fluids from the lungs and trachea. 2. <pharmacology> An agent that promotes the ejection of mucus or exudate from the lungs, bronchi and trachea, sometimes extended to all remedies that quiet cough (antitussives). Origin: L. Pectus = breast (18 Nov 1997) |
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| expectorants | Agents that increase mucous excretion. Mucolytic agents, that is drugs that liquefy mucous secretions, are also included here. (12 Dec 1998) |