MERCAPTANS

Noun

mercaptans

plural of mercaptan

Source: Wiktionary


MERCAPTAN

Mer*cap"tan, n. Etym: [F., fr. NL. mercurius mercury + L. captans, p. pr. of captare to seize, v. intens. fr. capere.] (Chem.)

Definition: Any one of series of compounds, hydrosulphides of alcohol radicals, in composition resembling the alcohols, but containing sulphur in place of oxygen, and hence called also the sulphur alcohols. In general, they are colorless liquids having a strong, repulsive, garlic odor. The name is specifically applied to ethyl mercaptan, C2H5SH. So called from its avidity for mercury, and other metals.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET



Word of the Day

20 November 2024

ENEMA

(noun) an injection of a liquid through the anus to stimulate evacuation; sometimes used for diagnostic purposes


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch “koffie,” borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve,” borrowed in turn from the Arabic “qahwah.” The Arabic word qahwah was traditionally held to refer to a type of wine.

coffee icon