thimerosal

[ thahy-mur-uh-sal, -mer- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a cream-colored, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C 9 H 9 HgNaO 2 S, used chiefly as an antiseptic.

thimerosal

/ θaɪˈmɛrəˌsæl /

noun

1. a creamy white crystalline compound of mercury, used in solution as an antiseptic. Formula: C 9 H 9 HgNaO 2 S

Word History and Origins

Origin of thimerosal¹

1945–50; perhaps thi- + mer(cury) + -o- + sal(icylate)

Word History and Origins

Origin of thimerosal¹

C20: from thio- + mer ( cury ) + sal ( icylate )

Example Sentences

He wanted to reassure parents who were worried about the effects of a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal, found in some vaccines.

From BBC

RFK Jr. has never retracted his views or apologized for his incorrect statement that thimerosal in childhood vaccines can be linked to a rise in autism.

From Salon

The article asserted a link between a purported increase in autism and the presence of thimerosal, a compound of mercury used as a preservative, in childhood vaccines.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2003, at the height of the thimerosal controversy, a bipartisan measure to update the law by offering immunity to vaccine additive manufacturers collapsed in Congress.

From New York Times

Numerous well-designed studies have failed to support a connection between thimerosal in vaccines and autism.

From New York Times