What does sternutatory mean?
Sternutatory means causing or provoking a sneeze. The adjective is used especially for substances deliberately prepared to make the nasal passages respond forcefully, such as sternutatory powder. Historically, such powders were used in medicine, demonstrations, and sometimes as perfumes or pungent snuffs, although many of these uses are now obsolete or unsafe. In modern English, the term is relatively uncommon and has a technical or historical tone. It is more precise than simply saying “sneeze-inducing,” because it suggests a substance or process that produces sneezing as its intended effect. A person who sneezes is described as doing so voluntarily or reflexively, while the agent that provokes the sneeze is the thing designated by “sternutatory.”
adjectiveCausing or tending to cause sneezing. The word is most commonly used in the phrase "sternutatory powder," a substance that provokes sneezing.
- Causing or tending to cause sneezing.
"The pharmacist recommended a small amount of sternutatory powder to clear his nasal passages."
"The museum used a sternutatory substance to test the sensitivity of the scent."
"Her doctor suggested a carefully controlled sternutatory powder before examining her sinuses."
Sternutatory substances turn a sneeze from an accidental reflex into a deliberate clearing of the nose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sternutatory come from?
The word comes from Latin sternutare, meaning “to sneeze,” with the suffix -atory, which forms adjectives indicating an action or function. The Latin verb developed through Indo-European roots associated with forceful nasal emission. English borrowed the adjective in the context of sneezing powders and other substances used to provoke sneezing.
Related word forms
How sternutatory is actually used
Sternutatory is a formal or technical adjective. It is most often encountered in medical and historical discussions of sneezing powders and substances such as pepper.