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Glite Dictionary
cantharidin

cantharidin

1 9.9
A poisonous chemical from blister beetles sometimes used to treat skin problems but highly dangerous to people
  • noun
  • /kænˈθærɪdɪn/
  • Specialized
: cantharidina
  • cantharidin is a potent toxin that causes abdominal pain, sores inside the mouth, kidney damage, and occasionally shock.

Examples

  • The doctor explained that cantharidin is extremely dangerous if swallowed.

  • Many dermatologists prescribe cantharidin for warts and other skin issues.

  • Historically, some people used cantharidin as a supposed love potion, despite its risks.

  • Researchers study cantharidin for its effects on human skin and potential medical uses.

  • The cantharidin extracted from blister beetles is used in some treatments.

  • Doctors and healers have used cantharidin—a substance extracted from the blister beetle—to treat warts for centuries.

  • However, some doctors are hesitant to use cantharidin because it's not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of warts.

Synonyms

blistering agent
vscantharidin
  • NSFW
1 9.9

A harmful chemical that causes severe blisters on skin and damages eyes and lungs, often used as a weapon

is used in medicine and comes from beetles rather than being weaponized

Surface Forms

cantharidin singular
cantharidins plural

Etymology

Cantharidin comes from an old Greek word cantharis, which means 'beetle' and named a kind of beetle that makes blisters. So cantharidin is the chemical from that beetle, which explains why it makes 'blisters' and is very poisonous even when used in tiny amounts by doctors.