What does lozenge mean?
A lozenge is a small, flat tablet that is sucked or allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. It commonly contains medicine, a cough remedy, a flavouring, or another soothing substance, and it is generally counted as a countable noun. Unlike a capsule, a lozenge is not swallowed whole; its dissolving texture and often mint or fruit flavour are characteristic features of the word. The same term also denotes a small diamond-shaped piece of glass, especially one set into an old leaded window, as well as decorative objects and outlines with that form. Although the medicine is the dominant modern meaning, the geometric sense gives the word a distinctive connection with architecture, heraldry, and design. In general use, a lozenge suggests something small, flat, and intended to be taken gradually rather than in a single swallow.
A small, flat medicinal, soothing, or flavoured tablet meant to dissolve in the mouth; also a small diamond-shaped pane, design, or object.
"He placed a lemon-flavoured lozenge on his tongue."
The medicinal-tablet sense is dominant in everyday use. The geometric and architectural senses are less frequent but fully established.
To give or make something a lozenge-shaped outline or form.
"The craftswoman lozenged the edge of the silver plate."
This verb is rare and now chiefly literary or obsolete.
The usual plural when referring to individual tablets, panes, or decorative forms.
"Two lozenges are enough to soothe her cough."
One word spans the medicine cabinet and the leaded window: a lozenge is both something to suck and a small diamond-shaped pane.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lozenge come from?
The English word entered Middle English through French, in forms corresponding to Old French losange. It is generally traced to a medieval Latin form, although the precise ultimate source of that form remains uncertain. Related forms became established in French and were later borrowed or adapted into Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, preserving the basic meaning of a lozenge-shaped tablet or form.
Related word forms
How lozenge is actually used
In ordinary modern use, the word usually refers to a small flat tablet that is sucked rather than swallowed whole. It may be medicinal, soothing, or merely flavoured. The verb, meaning to give or make something a lozenge shape, is rare and largely literary or obsolete.