calomel

noun

cal·​o·​mel ˈka-lə-məl How to pronounce calomel (audio)
-ˌmel
: a white tasteless compound Hg2Cl2 used especially as a component of laboratory electrodes, as a fungicide, and formerly in medicine as a purgative

called also mercurous chloride

Examples of calomel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In California alone, there have been over 60 poisonings in the last nine years linked to foreign-brand, unlabeled or homemade skin creams that contained a less toxic form of mercury, mercurous chloride or calomel, the statement said. NBC News, 12 Sep. 2019 Over the last nine years, there have been over 60 poisonings linked to a foreign brand, unlabeled, or homemade skin creams that contained toxic chemicals like mercury, mercurous chloride or calomel in California. Char Adams, PEOPLE.com, 12 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calomel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from New Latin *calomelas, from Greek kalos beautiful + melas black — more at melano-

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calomel was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near calomel

Cite this Entry

“Calomel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calomel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

calomel

noun
cal·​o·​mel ˈkal-ə-məl How to pronounce calomel (audio)
-ˌmel
: a white tasteless chemical compound of mercury and chlorine that is used especially as a fungicide

Medical Definition

calomel

noun
cal·​o·​mel ˈkal-ə-məl, -ˌmel How to pronounce calomel (audio)
: a white tasteless compound Hg2Cl2 used especially as a fungicide and insecticide and formerly in medicine as a purgative

called also mercurous chloride

More from Merriam-Webster on calomel

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