hartshorn

English

Etymology

hart +‎ 's +‎ horn.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈhɑːtshɔːn/

Note the pseudo-digraph: ‘s’ and ‘h’ are pronounced as separate letters, /sh/, not as the digraph ‘sh’ /ʃ/.

Noun

hartshorn (plural hartshorns)

1. The antler of a hart, once used as a source of ammonia.
2. (dated) An aqueous solution of ammonia; smelling salts.
   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Book IV, chapter xiv

     Sophia, who had tottered along with much difficulty, sunk down in her chair; but by the assistance of hartshorn and water, she was prevented from fainting away...

Derived terms

• spirits of hartshorn