What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counterirritant
Example
The menthol in this cream acts as a counterirritant to soothe sore muscles. [counterirritant: noun]
Example
Applying a counterirritant like capsaicin can help reduce the pain associated with arthritis. [counterirritant: adjective]
vesicant
Example
Exposure to mustard gas can cause vesicant injuries. [vesicant: adjective]
Example
The doctor prescribed a vesicant medication to treat my wart. [vesicant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Counterirritants are more commonly used than vesicants in everyday language and are found in many over-the-counter medications. Vesicants are typically used in prescription medications or for specific medical procedures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counterirritant and vesicant?
Vesicant is a more formal term than counterirritant. While counterirritants are commonly used in everyday language, vesicants are typically used in medical or scientific contexts.
