Background for calomel
BeDict Logo

calomel

/ˈkæləmɛl/ /ˈkæləməl/

Meanings
noun
Mercurous chloride Hg2Cl2, formerly used as a laxative and disinfectant and to treat syphilis

Examples :

""Before modern medicine, doctors often prescribed calomel as a laxative, even though its mercury content made it dangerous." "
medicine substance chemistry compound

Related Words

Illustration disinfectant

disinfectant noun

/dɪs.ɪnˈfɛktənt/

A substance that kills germs and/or viruses.

"The school nurse used a disinfectant spray to clean the playground equipment after the children played. "

Illustration syphilis

syphilis noun

/ˈsɪfɪlɪs/

A disease spread via sexual activity, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

"After unprotected sex, John worried he might have contracted syphilis, so he went to the clinic for a checkup. "

Illustration medicine

medicine noun

/ˈmed(ɪ).sn̩/ /ˈmɛ.dɪ.sɪn/

A substance which specifically promotes healing when ingested or consumed in some way.

"The medicine helped my grandmother feel better after she had the flu. "

Illustration formerly

formerly adverb

/ˈfɔːməli/ /ˈfɔɹmɚli/

At some time in the past

"My formerly quiet neighborhood is now very busy with new construction. "

Illustration mercury

mercury noun

/ˈməː.kjʊ.ɹi/ /ˈmɝkjəɹi/

A metal.

"My grandfather's workshop contained many tools made of mercury. "

Illustration prescribed

prescribed verb

/pɹəˈskɹaɪbd/

To order (a drug or medical device) for use by a particular patient (under licensed authority).

"The doctor prescribed aspirin."

Illustration laxative

laxative noun

/ˈlæk.sə.tɪv/

Any substance, such as a food or in the form of a medicine which has a laxative effect.

"My grandmother took a laxative to help her feel better after a large meal. "

Illustration content

content noun

/kənˈtɛnt/ /ˈkɒn.tɛnt/ /ˈkɑn.tɛnt/

(except in phrases) Satisfaction, contentment; pleasure.

"My family's happy vacation brought a feeling of content to everyone. "

Illustration mercurous

mercurous adjective

/mərˈkjʊriəs/ /mɜːrˈkjʊriəs/

Pertaining to or derived from mercury.

"The lab technician carefully handled the mercurous chloride, knowing it contained mercury. "

Illustration doctors

doctors noun

/ˈdɒktəz/ /ˈdɑktɚz/

A physician; a member of the medical profession; one who is trained and licensed to heal the sick or injured. The final examination and qualification may award a doctor degree in which case the post-nominal letters are D.O., DPM, M.D., DMD, DDS, in the US or MBBS in the UK.

"If you still feel unwell tomorrow, see your doctor."

Illustration chloride

chloride noun

/ˈklɔːɹaɪd/

Any salt of hydrochloric acid, such as sodium chloride, or any binary compound of chlorine and another element or radical

"The doctor recommended that Maria increase her intake of potassium chloride to help balance her electrolytes. "

Illustration dangerous

dangerous adjective

/ˈdeɪnd͡ʒ(ə)ɹəs/ /ˈdeɪnd͡ʒəɹəs/

Full of danger.

"Railway crossings without gates are highly dangerous."