tartar emetic

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, water-soluble, sweet and metallic-tasting, poisonous powder or granules, C 4 H 4 KO 7 Sb, used as a mordant for dyeing textiles and leather, and in medicine as an expectorant, for inducing vomiting, and for infections by schistosomes.

tartar emetic

noun

1. another name for antimony potassium tartrate

Word History and Origins

Origin of tartar emetic¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

In those days, the only available cure was tartar emetic, a compound of antimony that was administered as 12–16 injections given once a week.

From Nature

A decoction of camomile flowers will be safest; though a sufficient dose of tartar emetic will be far more certain.

From Project Gutenberg

Graves was in the habit of combining it with a small quantity of tartar emetic in the condition in which the sleeplessness is associated with active delirium.

From Project Gutenberg

The antimonial preparations that are now most in use are antimonial wine and tartar emetic.

From Project Gutenberg

He gave the fact, he said, to Small, in exchange for his receipt for tartar emetic, because the commerce of philosophy as well as other commerce was best promoted by taking care to make returns.

From Project Gutenberg