Merthiolate
Definition
Noun: * A mercury-containing compound used as an antiseptic: "Merthiolate" is the trade name for a chemical compound called thimerosal. It is a crystalline powder that was historically used as a topical antiseptic to prevent infection in minor cuts and scrapes, and as a preservative in some vaccines and medical products.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The nurse applied Merthiolate to the wound before bandaging it.
- Due to concerns about mercury sensitivity, the use of Merthiolate as a preservative has been greatly reduced.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Medical Context: The term is primarily used in a historical or specific medical context to refer to the antiseptic compound thimerosal. Its usage in modern consumer products is now very limited.
- Older first-aid kits might contain a bottle of Merthiolate.
Variants and Related Words
- Thimerosal (noun): The generic chemical name for the compound known by the trade name Merthiolate.
- Thimerosal is an organomercury compound.
Synonyms
- Antiseptic: A substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
- Thimerosal: The direct chemical synonym.
- Preservative: A substance used to prevent decomposition (one of its former functions).
Important Note on Usage
"Merthiolate" is a proper noun (a trademark). It is typically capitalized when referring specifically to the branded product. Discussion of this word often involves public health and pharmacology due to debates surrounding its mercury content.
Noun
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a light-colored crystalline powder (trade name Merthiolate) used as a surgical antiseptic
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