CHLOROFORM

chloroform, trichloromethane

(noun) a volatile liquid haloform (CHCl3); formerly used as an anesthetic; “chloroform was the first inhalation anesthetic”

chloroform

(verb) anesthetize with chloroform; “Doctors used to put people under by chloroforming them”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

chloroform (uncountable)

(chemistry) A halogenated hydrocarbon, trichloromethane, CHCl3; it is a volatile, sweet-smelling liquid, used extensively as a solvent and formerly as an anesthetic.

Synonyms

• trichloromethane

• chloric ether

• Guthrie's sweet whiskey, sweet whiskey

Verb

chloroform (third-person singular simple present chloroforms, present participle chloroforming, simple past and past participle chloroformed)

To treat with chloroform, or to render unconscious with chloroform.

Source: Wiktionary


Chlo"ro*form, n. Etym: [Chlorine + formyl, it having been regarded as a trichloride of this radical: cf. F. chloroforme, G. chloroform.] (Chem.)

Definition: A colorless volatile liquid, CHCl3, having an ethereal odor and a sweetish taste, formed by treating alcohol with chlorine and an alkali. It is a powerful solvent of wax, resin, etc., and is extensively used to produce anæsthesia in surgical operations; also externally, to alleviate pain.

Chlo"ro*form, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Chloroformed; p. pr. & vb. n. Chloroforming.]

Definition: To treat with chloroform, or to place under its influence.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

5 February 2025

CARE

(noun) activity involved in maintaining something in good working order; “he wrote the manual on car care”


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Coffee Trivia

Espresso is both a coffee beverage and a brewing method that originated in Italy. When making an espresso, a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure forces through finely-ground coffee beans. It has more caffeine per unit volume than most coffee beverages. Its smaller serving size will take three shots to equal a mug of standard brewed coffee.

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