calomel
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈkæləmɛl/
- Archaic
:
calomel
- Historically, calomel was used not only as a purgative but also as a disinfectant in medical treatments.
- mercurous chloride
- calomel (mercurous chloride)
Examples
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Many children were given calomel for its supposed health benefits, despite its toxic properties.
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In the past, doctors often prescribed calomel as a laxative to help treat constipation.
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What about calomel or castor oil?
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"Like administering calomel," Charissa muttered.
Fiction book (2001) -
Can't it be Calomel?
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(wanly) Mother, can't you make it calomel instead of castor oil?
Fiction book (1991) -
Far better this, he said, looking at my bewildered countenance, than the calomel and other purgatives on which less wise travelers rely.
Fiction book (1999) -
And one of his most famous cases, the Wolf-Man, later told an interviewer that his physical problems stemmed from being given a mercury compound called calomel.
Blog text (18)
Synonyms
A white poisonous powder made from mercury once used as a medicine to make people empty their bowels
Surface Forms
Etymology
Calomel comes from old Greek parts kalo- meaning 'beautiful' and -mel meaning 'black', a name people gave because a dark form appeared when the substance was made long ago. So, the word stuck to this old medical powder that actually contains mercury, and that link helps you remember it as an old medicine rather than a modern drug.