chloroform

American  

[klawr-uh-fawrm, klohr-] / ˈklɔr əˌfɔrm, ˈkloʊr- /

noun

1. Also called trichloromethane.  Chemistry, Pharmacology. a colorless, volatile, nonflammable, slightly water-soluble, pungent, sweet-tasting liquid, CHCl 3 , usually derived from acetone, acetaldehyde, or ethyl alcohol by the reaction of chloride of lime: used chiefly in medicine as a solvent and formerly as an anesthetic.

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verb (used with object)

1. to administer chloroform to, especially in order to anesthetize, make unconscious, or kill.

2. to put chloroform on (a cloth, object, etc.).

chloroform British  

/ ˈklɔːrəˌfɔːm /

noun

1. Systematic name: trichloromethane.  a heavy volatile liquid with a sweet taste and odour, used as a solvent and cleansing agent and in refrigerants: formerly used as an inhalation anaesthetic. Formula: CHCl 3

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chloroform Scientific  

/ klôr′ə-fôrm′ /

1. A colorless, toxic, sweet-tasting liquid formed by combining methane with chlorine. It is used as a solvent and was once widely used as an anesthetic. Chemical formula: CHCl ₃ .

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Other Word Forms

• chloroformic
  adjective
• prechloroform
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of chloroform

First recorded in 1830–40; chloro- ² + form(yl)

Example Sentences

Chloroform and bromodichloromethane, often found as byproducts of chlorinated drinking water, were detected above state standards.

From Washington Times • Oct. 26, 2020

Chloroform was historically used as an inhaled anesthetic during surgery but is now used to make other chemicals, including refrigerants, while acetone is a solvent used in paint and nail-polish removers, according to the U.S.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2019

Deep Sleep pillow spray, that I love so much my family refers to it Lady Chloroform.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2018

Chloroform, which had been discovered in 1831, had begun to be used to relieve labor pains a few years earlier.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Chloroform comes from a visible agent, from the doctor or nurse, or at least from a bottle, which can be taken up or left alone at our own choice.

From My Path to Atheism by Besant, Annie Wood