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

Examples of Epsom salts in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Take a warm bath with oatmeal, Epsom salts, or baking soda. Fara Rosenzweig, Outside, 24 Jan. 2026 If your soil needs magnesium, then adding Epsom salts may be a helpful treatment. Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 21 Apr. 2026 Many social media posts will tout easy fixes with home items like Epsom salts, eggshells, or coffee grounds. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026 Aficianados held that dipping in or ingesting the waters, which were loaded with sulfur and Epsom salts, could relieve a variety of aches, pains and maladies. Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Epsom salts

Word History

Etymology

Epsom, England

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Epsom salts was in 1828

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Cite this Entry

“Epsom salts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Epsom%20salts. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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

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