philosopher's wool
Definition
Noun: - Zinc oxide: A white, powdery inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnO. It is used industrially as a pigment, in the manufacture of products like rubber, glass, and ceramics, and in personal care items such as cosmetics, sunscreens, and medicinal ointments. The term is archaic and originates from alchemy, where the substance was a byproduct of certain experiments.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The ancient alchemists collected the white sublimate, which they called philosopher's wool, during their attempts to transmute metals.
- While philosopher's wool is an old term, the compound it refers to—zinc oxide—is still widely used in modern sunscreen lotions.
- The recipe called for philosopher's wool as a white pigment to give the glass its opaque quality.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Alchemical Context: The term is primarily used in historical or alchemical discussions to refer to zinc oxide, often describing its physical form (a fluffy, wool-like mass) produced by burning zinc in air.
- In his 17th-century manuscript, the alchemist described the production of "lana philosophica," or philosopher's wool.
Variants and Related Words
- Zinc oxide (n): The modern chemical name for the compound.
- Zinc white (n): Another name for zinc oxide, particularly when used as a pigment in paints.
- Lana philosophica (n): The Latin origin of the term "philosopher's wool."
Synonyms
- Zinc oxide: The direct scientific synonym.
- Zinc white: A synonym used in artistic and industrial contexts.
Notes on Meaning
This word has only one specific meaning: an archaic name for the chemical compound zinc oxide (ZnO). It is not used in contemporary everyday language but may appear in historical texts or discussions about the history of science and alchemy.
Noun
-
oxide of zinc; a white powder used as a pigment or in cosmetics or glass or inks and in zinc ointment
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