Definition

1. Noun:
   • Mercurochrome: A chemical antiseptic solution, historically used for minor cuts and scrapes, characterized by its bright red color. Its active ingredient is merbromin, a compound containing mercury.
   • Red antiseptic: A general term for a red-colored liquid disinfectant applied topically to prevent infection in wounds.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mẹ bôi thuốc đỏ lên vết xước trên đầu gối của tôi. (My mother applied mercurochrome to the scrape on my knee.)
  • Thuốc đỏ có thể gây ra vết bẩn màu đỏ trên da và quần áo. (Mercurochrome can leave a red stain on skin and clothing.)
  • Ngày nay, ít người dùng thuốc đỏ vì lo ngại về thủy ngân. (Nowadays, few people use mercurochrome due to concerns about mercury.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "thuốc đỏ" is often used generically in Vietnamese to refer to any red topical antiseptic, even if it is not specifically mercurochrome. It is a familiar item in many household first-aid kits from previous generations.

Variants and Related Words

• Thuốc sát trùng (n): antiseptic, disinfectant. A broader term for substances that destroy microorganisms.
• Cồn i-ốt (n): iodine tincture. Another common topical antiseptic, brown in color.
• Băng cá nhân (n): band-aid, adhesive bandage. Often used after applying antiseptic.

Synonyms

• Mercurochrome: The specific brand name/product.
• Merbromin: The chemical name of the active ingredient.
• Topical antiseptic: A general term for a disinfectant applied to the skin.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Bôi thuốc đỏ: Literally "to apply mercurochrome." Can be used figuratively to describe a superficial or temporary fix for a problem.
  • Giải pháp đó chỉ là bôi thuốc đỏ, không giải quyết được gốc rễ. (That solution is just a superficial fix; it doesn't address the root cause.)