philosophers' wool
Definition
Noun: - Zinc oxide: A white, powdery inorganic compound with the chemical formula ZnO. It is produced when zinc is burned in air and is used industrially as a pigment, in the manufacture of rubber, glass, ceramics, and cosmetics, and in medicinal ointments for its soothing and protective properties. The archaic term "philosophers' wool" originates from alchemy, where the fluffy, wool-like zinc oxide was collected during the sublimation of zinc.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The ancient alchemists referred to the white sublimate as philosophers' wool.
- Zinc oxide, historically known as philosophers' wool, is a key ingredient in calamine lotion and sunscreen.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in historical or etymological discussions about alchemy and the early history of chemistry. It is not used in modern technical or commercial contexts, where "zinc oxide" is the standard term.
- The text described the alchemical process yielding philosophers' wool, which we now call zinc oxide.
Variants and Related Words
- Zinc oxide (n): The modern, standard chemical name for the compound.
- Zinc white (n): Another name for zinc oxide, specifically when used as a white pigment in paints.
- Lana philosophica (n): The Latin equivalent of "philosophers' wool."
Synonyms
- Zinc oxide: The direct and modern synonym.
- Flowers of zinc: Another archaic alchemical term for zinc oxide, referring to its flower-like crystalline form.
Related Phrases/Idioms
(This term is a specific historical noun and is not used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.)
Noun
-
oxide of zinc; a white powder used as a pigment or in cosmetics or glass or inks and in zinc ointment
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "philosophers' wool"
