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Glite Dictionary
Bromo-Seltzer

Bromo-Seltzer

1 6.1
A fizzy medicine that helps an upset stomach and eases headaches
  • noun
  • /ˈbroʊmoʊ ˈsɛltzər/
translation icon : Bromo-Seltzer
  • When my friend complained of indigestion, I suggested she try some Bromo-Seltzer for relief.

Examples

  • She always keeps a pack of Bromo-Seltzer handy in case she feels headaches coming on.

  • After a long night of partying, I reached for a Bromo-Seltzer to settle my stomach.

  • Mom was sipping her Scotch, and Stan had a glass of Bromo Seltzer.

    Fiction book (1995)

Synonyms

Alka-Seltzer
vsBromo-Seltzer
5 3.4

A fizzy tablet you dissolve in water to ease heartburn, upset stomach and minor pain

uses a general pain-relief ingredient rather than aspirin specifically
bromo
vsBromo-Seltzer
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A medicine with bromide that calms people and eases headaches

is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever rather than a sedative
Brioschi
vsBromo-Seltzer
9.6

A fizzy medicine that you dissolve in water to relieve an upset stomach and heartburn

adds a pain-relief effect for headaches as well as antacid action

Surface Forms

Bromo-Seltzer singular
Bromo-Seltzers plural

Morphology

Bromo-Seltzer = seltzer (semi-transparent) = bromo + seltzer

The second element 'seltzer' is a familiar word meaning fizzy water, but 'bromo' is a technical combining form referring to bromine/bromides and is unlikely to be known by average learners; overall the brand name is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Bromo-Seltzer comes from the parts bromo- meaning 'bromide' and seltzer meaning 'bubbly water'. So the name gives a simple image of a fizzy, drink-like medicine with a bromide ingredient that was meant to calm headaches and settle an upset stomach, which is why Bromo-Seltzer is known as a fizzy antacid and pain reliever.