calamine
Americannoun
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a pink, water-insoluble powder consisting of zinc oxide and about 0.5 percent ferric oxide, used in ointments, lotions, or the like, for the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the skin.
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Mineralogy. hemimorphite.
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Chiefly British. smithsonite.
noun
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a pink powder consisting of zinc oxide and ferric oxide, (iron(III) oxide), used medicinally in the form of soothing lotions or ointments
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another name for smithsonite hemimorphite
Etymology
Origin of calamine
1595–1605; < Medieval Latin calamīna, unexplained alteration of Latin cadmia cadmium; see -ine 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
How to treat it: As with poison oak rash, use a cold compress, apply calamine lotion or bathe in baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to relive itching symptoms.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 24, 2023
For topical relief, the American Dermatological Association recommends calamine lotion, which has cooling properties.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 24, 2023
To minimize the urge to scratch, Houshmand suggested first washing the affected area with tepid water and gentle soap and then applying calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream, such as 1 percent hydrocortisone.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 28, 2021
Thankfully, it can be treated with common rash remedies, such as calamine lotion.
From Fox News ● Nov. 1, 2018
She told Bailey to watch my face and arms for spots and when they came up he could paint them with calamine lotion.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
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