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

Measles Is Now Showing Up in Wastewater As a result, the decision to remove thimerosal was interpreted by many in the public, including anti-vaccine activists, as acknowledgement that thimerosal was unsafe and harmful. —Alice Park, Time, 1 July 2025

So, one of the specific things from this meeting was advice to avoid flu vaccines containing an ingredient called thimerosal. —CBS News, 29 June 2025

Most flu vaccines currently used in the United States contain little to no thimerosal, but both the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC say there is no evidence low doses of thimerosal in vaccines cause harm other than minor reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 June 2025

Kennedy has long held there was a tie between thimerosal and autism, and also accused the government of hiding the danger. —Danny Bakst, Fortune, 26 June 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