menstruum

[ men-stroo-uhm, -struhm ]

noun

, plural men·stru·ums, men·stru·a [men, -stroo-, uh, -str, uh].

1. a solvent.

menstruum

/ ˈmɛnstrʊəm /

noun

1. a solvent, esp one used in the preparation of a drug
2. a solid formulation of a drug

Word History and Origins

Origin of menstruum¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; special use of Middle English menstruum “monthly period,” from Medieval Latin, from Latin (usually in plural mēnstrua); menstrual, moon ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of menstruum¹

C17 (meaning: solvent), C14 (menstrual discharge): from Medieval Latin, from Latin mēnstruus monthly, from mēnsis month; from an alchemical comparison between a base metal being transmuted into gold and the supposed action of the menses

Example Sentences

Some parties have recommended quince juice as the menstruum.

From Project Gutenberg

The next most general correspondence is that between individual bodies and those which supply them by way of menstruum or support.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not durable, but soon changes in the menstruum into metallic gold, and peroxide.

From Project Gutenberg

These colloids appear to be separated by amyl alcohol in virtue of their greater solubility in that menstruum.

From Project Gutenberg

The statements in this book regarding alcohol content are approximate and are based on the alcohol contents of the menstruum used.

From Project Gutenberg