potassium bromide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, KBr, having a bitter saline taste: used chiefly in the manufacture of photographic papers and plates, in engraving, and in medicine as a sedative.

---

potassium bromide British  

noun

1. a white crystalline soluble substance with a bitter saline taste used in making photographic papers and plates and in medicine as a sedative. Formula: KBr

---

Etymology

Origin of potassium bromide

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Some bromide salts, notably potassium bromide, were found to be natural sedatives, and were prescribed in the 19th Century as a remedy for epilepsy.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2014

Examine bromine, potassium bromide, sodium bromide, magnesium bromide.

From An Introduction to Chemical Science by Williams, Rufus Phillips

Hebner, after an elaborate study of the relative value of potassium bromide, quinia, salicylic acid, chloral, and belladonna, says: "Salicylic acid and chloral tend to relieve the paroxysms—belladonna and quinia to shorten the disease."

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

For the same reason, contrary to common opinion, I do not advise the addition of potassium bromide to the developer.

From Bromide Printing and Enlarging A Practical Guide to the Making of Bromide Prints by Contact and Bromide Enlarging by Daylight and Artificial Light, With the Toning of Bromide Prints and Enlargements by Tennant, John A.

Notes Toward the end of the reaction, a crust of potassium bromide may tend to cover the melted potassium hydroxide.

From Organic Syntheses by Conant, James Bryant