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

The fabled ½universal solvent¸ of the alchemists; a menstruum capable of dissolving all bodies.

From Project Gutenberg

The earthy salts may be diffused throughout a uniformly cheesy basis, or they may be deposited in a partially softened, cheesy menstruum, when a mortar-like material results.

From Project Gutenberg

‘Now, lux is called the seed, or menstruum, of the red dragon; or, in other words, that gross and corporeal light, which, when properly digested and modified, produces gold.’

From Project Gutenberg

Repercolation, rē-pėr-ko-lā′shun, n. in pharmacy, the successive application of the same menstruum to fresh parts of the substance to be percolated.

From Project Gutenberg

Note.—Many experiments have been made, in order to discover some aqueous size, that when dry, would resist moisture: and some have recommended skimmed milk, and others vinegar as a menstruum for the glue.

From Project Gutenberg