a. [ L. demulcens, p. pr. of demulcere. ] Softening; mollifying; soothing; assuasive;
n. (Med.) A substance, usually of a mucilaginous or oily nature, supposed to be capable of soothing an inflamed nervous membrane, or protecting it from irritation. Gum Arabic, glycerin, olive oil, etc., are demulcents. [ 1913 Webster ]