vesicant

American  

[ves-i-kuhnt] / ˈvɛs ɪ kənt /

adjective

1. producing a blister or blisters, as a medicinal substance; vesicating.

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noun

1. a vesicant agent or substance.

2. (in chemical warfare) a chemical agent that causes burns and destruction of tissue both internally and externally.

vesicant British  

/ ˈvɛsɪˌkeɪtərɪ, ˈvɛsɪkənt /

noun

1. any substance that causes blisters, used in medicine and in chemical warfare

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adjective

1. acting as a vesicant

Etymology

Origin of vesicant

1655–65; < New Latin vēsīcant- (stem of vēsīcāns ), present participle of vēsīcāre to vesicate; see -ant

Compare meaning

How does vesicant compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• vesicant vs. irritant

Example Sentences

Mustard was far & away the most important vesicant in the European arena.

From Time Magazine Archive

If no marked swelling results within forty-eight hours the entire fetlock region is thoroughly vesicated and, as soon as the skin has recovered from the effects of the vesicant, pressure bandages may be employed.

From Lameness of the Horse Veterinary Practitioners' Series, No. 1 by Lacroix, John Victor

Following this, a vesicant is employed and the subject is allowed a month's rest.

From Lameness of the Horse Veterinary Practitioners' Series, No. 1 by Lacroix, John Victor

Uses.—The root is vesicant and is used by the natives for this purpose.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

Therapeutically it is used externally in leprosy, old ulcers and to destroy corns, but on account of its rubefacient and vesicant qualities it is necessary to use it cautiously.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers