chloroform

[ klawr-uh-fawrm, klohr- ]

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.

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

/ ˈklɔːrəˌfɔːm /

noun

1. 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 Systematic nametrichloromethane

chloroform

/ 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 .

Other Words From

• chloro·formic adjective
• pre·chloro·form verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of chloroform¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chloroform¹

C19: from chloro- + form ( yl ) (in an obsolete sense that applied to a CH radical)

Example Sentences

Rick will disable the driver with chloroform, and Fred will drive the bus to the hidden location where Fred keeps an eye on the bus.

From Vox

Luckily, chloroform and ether were particularly effective on “boisterous” women and therefore used to quiet them—in doctors’ words—“not only temporarily but permanently.”

From Time

Walsh further acknowledged that the FBI had not found any actual chloroform such as Valle had spoken of using.

From The Daily Beast

In addition, air tests from the trunk showing high levels of chloroform are expected.

From The Daily Beast

In the presence of bromin the chloroform, which settles to the bottom, assumes a yellow color.

From Project Gutenberg

The fumes of the chloroform seemed to have closed over Dangerfields consciousness once more.

From Project Gutenberg

Ikey remembered seeing his father kill a pet dog with chloroform, and so volunteered to try it on the cat.

From Project Gutenberg

And you exhibited to him the vial of chloroform and the piece of cambric?

From Project Gutenberg

They gave you a very light dose of chloroform, Miss Wardour.

From Project Gutenberg