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calomel

noun
cal·​o·​mel | \ ˈka-lÉ™-mÉ™l How to pronounce calomel (audio) , -ËŒmel\

Definition of calomel

: a white tasteless compound Hg2Cl2 used especially as a component of laboratory electrodes, as a fungicide, and formerly in medicine as a purgative

— called also mercurous chloride

First Known Use of calomel

1676, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for calomel

probably from New Latin *calomelas, from Greek kalos beautiful + melas black — more at melan-

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More Definitions for calomel

calomel

noun
cal·​o·​mel | \ ˈkal-É™-mÉ™l, -ËŒmel How to pronounce calomel (audio) \

Medical Definition of calomel

: a white tasteless compound Hg2Cl2 used especially as a fungicide and insecticide and formerly in medicine as a purgative

— called also mercurous chloride

More from Merriam-Webster on calomel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calomel

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