from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Irritant \Ir"ri*tant\, n. [Cf. F. irritant.]
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1. That which irritates or excites.
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2. (Physiol. & Med.) Any agent by which irritation is
produced; as, a chemical irritant; a mechanical or
electrical irritant.
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3. (Toxicology) A poison that produces inflammation.
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{Counter irritant}. See under {Counter}.
{Pure irritant} (Toxicology), a poison that produces
inflammation without any corrosive action upon the
tissues.
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