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Glite Dictionary
camphorated phenol

camphorated phenol

7.7
A liquid medicine dentists put on a tooth to numb it and ease pain
  • noun
  • /ˈkæm.fər.eɪ.tɪd ˈfiː.nɒl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : fenol alcanforado
  • The dentist applied camphorated phenol to the cavity to ease the patient's pain.

Examples

  • Camphorated phenol is commonly used in dentistry as a local anesthetic for toothaches.

  • You should never ingest camphorated phenol as it can be toxic if swallowed.

  • The dentist applied camphorated phenol to numb the area.

  • I need some camphorated phenol for my toothache.

  • The dentist applied camphorated phenol to the cavity to ease the patient's pain.

  • Camphorated phenol is commonly used in dentistry as a local anesthetic for toothaches.

  • I need some camphorated phenol for my toothache.

Surface Forms

camphorated phenol singular
camphorated phenols plural

Morphology

camphorated + phenol

The noun is a straightforward composition: 'camphorated' (infused with camphor) modifies 'phenol' (the chemical), so it denotes phenol that contains camphor. Although the term is technical/medical, its meaning is directly derivable from the known constituents and thus would be clear to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Camphorated phenol names a medicine made by adding camphor (a strong-smelling plant substance) to phenol in oil, so you can picture a sharp-smelling paste. Because phenol kills germs and the mix helps numb a sore tooth, dentists used it to calm pain. So the name now means a local pain-relief for 'toothache'.