chloral

[ klawr-uhl ]

noun

1. Also called trichloroacetaldehyde, a colorless, oily liquid, C 2 Cl 3 HO, having a pungent odor, usually derived by the chlorination of ethyl alcohol or of acetaldehyde and combining with water to form chloral hydrate.
2. Also called chlo·ral hy·drate [klawr, -, uh, l , hahy, -dreyt]. Pharmacology. a white, crystalline solid, C 2 H 3 Cl 3 O 2 , formed by combining liquid chloral with water: used as a hypnotic.

chloral

/ ˈklɔːrəl /

noun

1. a colourless oily liquid with a pungent odour, made from chlorine and acetaldehyde and used in preparing chloral hydrate and DDT; trichloroacetaldehyde
2. See chloral hydrate
   short for chloral hydrate

Word History and Origins

Origin of chloral¹

First recorded in 1825–35; chlor- ² + -al ³

Example Sentences

You don't know how they laugh at you in Paris for always painting morphinomanes and chloral drinkers.

From Project Gutenberg

Bayard sent for a doctor, who prescribed chloral, and said the case was serious.

From Project Gutenberg

Some preparation of chloral, I should think; smells and looks like it.

From Project Gutenberg

Bernheim and many others of the French school have used chloral and morphine.

From Project Gutenberg

I thought perhaps some bromide, or chloral, or something of the kind might do me good.

From Project Gutenberg