calomel

[ kal-uh-mel, -muhl ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, tasteless powder, Hg 2 Cl 2 , used chiefly as a purgative and fungicide.

calomel

/ -məl; ˈkæləˌmɛl /

noun

1. a colourless tasteless powder consisting chiefly of mercurous chloride, used medicinally, esp as a cathartic. Formula: Hg 2 Cl 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of calomel¹

1670–80; < New Latin calomelas coined from Greek kaló ( s ) fair + mélas black; allegedly so called because its original preparation involved turning black powder into white

Word History and Origins

Origin of calomel¹

C17: perhaps from New Latin calomelas (unattested), literally: beautiful black (perhaps so named because it was originally sublimed from a black mixture of mercury and mercuric chloride), from Greek kalos beautiful + melas black

Example Sentences

The chemical — along with a less potent, but still toxic, form of mercury known as calomel — is also a key ingredient in skin-lightening products.

From Salon

Severe cases of flu required a severe laxative like calomel, which is made with mercury chloride.

From Scientific American

If "mercurous chloride," "calomel," "mercuric," "mercurio" or "mercury" is listed on the label, stop using the product immediately.

From US News

Eliza was more concerned about the dwindling supply of medicines, the mercury and calomel.

From Literature

To ease the dying man, he administered a dose of calomel and placed loaves of hot bread around his body.

From Literature