calomel

[ kal-uh-mel, -muhl ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, tasteless powder, Hg 2 Cl 2 , used chiefly as a purgative and fungicide.

calomel

/ -məl; ˈkæləˌmɛl /

noun

1. a colourless tasteless powder consisting chiefly of mercurous chloride, used medicinally, esp as a cathartic. Formula: Hg 2 Cl 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of calomel¹

1670–80; < New Latin calomelas coined from Greek kaló ( s ) fair + mélas black; allegedly so called because its original preparation involved turning black powder into white

Word History and Origins

Origin of calomel¹

C17: perhaps from New Latin calomelas (unattested), literally: beautiful black (perhaps so named because it was originally sublimed from a black mixture of mercury and mercuric chloride), from Greek kalos beautiful + melas black

Example Sentences

I took calomel at his hands f'r manny years till he told me that it was about the same thing they put into Rough on Rats.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be mixed with calomel without the latter being decomposed.

From Project Gutenberg

Thenceforth his life was safe; as long as the few ounces of quinine and calomel lasted, at any rate.

From Project Gutenberg

And so his calomel pill and his bloodletting lancet were carried everywhere with him by the doctor.

From Project Gutenberg

Calomel is a specific; and is taken by multitudes without hesitation, or fear of danger.

From Project Gutenberg