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

Nonetheless, the use of thimerosal in vaccines has declined significantly since the FDA in 1999 asked vaccine manufacturers to detail plans to remove it. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 23 June 2025

Kennedy has long advocated for banning thimerosal, a preservative that was widely used for decades in a number of biological and drug products, including many vaccines. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 20 June 2025

To address public concerns, thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025

Theoretically, thimerosal’s ethyl-mercury base could lead to mercury poisoning in high doses. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 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