sal volatile

noun

1. an aromatic alcoholic solution of ammonium carbonate, the chief ingredient in smelling salts.

noun

1. another name for ammonium carbonate
2. Also called: spirits of ammonia, (archaic) hartshorn a solution of ammonium carbonate in alcohol and aqueous ammonia, often containing aromatic oils, used as smelling salts

n.1650s, Modern Latin, literally “volatile salt” (see salt (n.) + volatile); ammonium carbonate, especially as used in reviving persons who have fainted.