Nasal Spray: Definition, Uses, and Examples

Meaning 1：nasal spray (nasal spray)

nasal spray 🔊

/ˈneɪzəl spreɪ/

A small bottle with liquid medicine that you spray into your nose to help with stuffy nose, allergies, or cold symptoms.

nasal spray 🔊

➕

/ˈneɪzəl spreɪ/

A liquid medicine in a small bottle that is sprayed into the nostrils to relieve congestion, allergies, or cold symptoms.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'nasus' (nose) + Middle Dutch 'sprayen' (to scatter).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a small spray bottle aimed at your nose (nasal) to deliver quick relief.

📖 Example

During allergy season, my doctor recommended a nasal spray to reduce sneezing and runny nose. 🔊 During allergy season, my doctor recommended a nasal spray to reduce sneezing and runny nose.

🔗 Collocations

use a nasal spray – To apply the spray into the nostrils

prescribe a nasal spray – A doctor orders a specific nasal spray for a patient

over-the-counter nasal spray – A nasal spray available without a prescription

🔄 Synonyms

nose spray (n.) – A simpler, everyday term for the same product

nasal inhaler (n.) – A device for inhaling medicine through the nose, often powder-based rather than liquid

nasal mist (n.) – A fine liquid spray for the nose, often used for saline or medication

🚫 Antonyms

oral tablet (n.) – A solid medicine taken by mouth, opposite route of administration

📖 Cultural Story

Nasal sprays became popular in the mid-20th century as a convenient drug delivery method for allergies, replacing messy steam inhalation or oral pills.