thuốc đỏ
Definition
- 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.)