lacrimator

noun

lac·​ri·​ma·​tor ˈla-krə-ˌmā-tər How to pronounce lacrimator (audio)
variants or lachrymator
: a tear-producing substance (such as tear gas)

Word History

Etymology

Latin lacrimare to weep, from lacrima tear — more at lachrymal

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lacrimator was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near lacrimator

Cite this Entry

“Lacrimator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacrimator. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

lacrimator

noun
lac·​ri·​ma·​tor
variants also lachrymator
: a tear-producing substance (as tear gas)

More from Merriam-Webster on lacrimator

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!