thimerosal

noun

thi·​mer·​o·​sal thī-ˈmer-ə-ˌsal 

: a crystalline organic mercurial antiseptic C₉H₉HgNaO₂S used especially for its antifungal and bacteriostatic properties

Examples of thimerosal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But numerous studies have disproved an autism link and concluded thimerosal is safe. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 23 July 2025

This was telling because studies have repeatedly shown no link between thimerosal and autism (as anti-vaxxers allege) or any other medical harm. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025

But thimerosal contains ethylmercury, which the body breaks down and clears much more quickly than methylmercury. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 27 June 2025

The discussion was added to ACIP’s agenda at the last minute, but more alarming was that thimerosal was being discussed at all. —Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 5 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from thi- + mercury + -o- + salicylate

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thimerosal

• counterproposal
• disposal
• petrosal
• proposal
• serosal

Medical Definition

thimerosal

noun

thi·​mer·​o·​sal thī-ˈmer-ə-ˌsal 

: a crystalline organic mercurial antiseptic C₉H₉HgNaO₂S used especially for its antifungal and bacteriostatic properties see merthiolate