antitussive
|an-ti-tuss-ive|
/ˌæn.tɪˈtʌs.ɪv/
against cough
Etymology
'antitussive' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (Greek) meaning 'against' combined with 'tussive', from Latin 'tussis' meaning 'cough'.
'tussis' (Latin, 'cough') gave rise to English formation 'tussive' (relating to cough), and the prefix 'anti-' was attached to form 'antitussive' in modern medical English.
Initially it literally meant 'against cough'; this core idea has been retained and is reflected in the modern meanings 'suppressing cough' or 'a medicine that suppresses cough'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a medicine or agent that suppresses coughing; a cough suppressant.
The physician prescribed an antitussive to relieve the patient's persistent cough.
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Adjective 1
having the property of suppressing or relieving coughing; used to describe substances or treatments that reduce cough.
He took an antitussive cough syrup before bed so he could sleep through the night.
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Last updated: 2025/09/12 00:38