Epsom salts

views updated Jun 27 2018

Epsom salts Magnesium sulphate, originally found in a mineral spring in Epsom, Surrey, England; acts as a purgative because the osmotic pressure of the solution causes it to retain water in the intestine and so increase the bulk and moisture content of the faeces.

Epsom salts

views updated May 18 2018

Ep·som salts • pl. n. crystals of hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O, used as a purgative or for other medicinal use.

Epsom salts

views updated May 08 2018

Epsom salts See EPSOMITE.