How Do You Spell CALOMEL?

Pronunciation: [kˈalə͡ʊmə͡l] (IPA)

Calomel is a mercury-based compound used in medical treatments. Spelling it correctly can be a challenge due to its unusual pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for "calomel" is /ˈkæləmɛl/, which explains the spelling of each sound in the word. The "ca" sound is pronounced as in "cat," while the "lo" sound is pronounced like "low," and the "mel" sound is pronounced as in "melody." Knowing the correct pronunciation and spelling of "calomel" is important for those who work in the medical field.

CALOMEL Meaning and Definition

  1. Calomel is a noun that refers to a white, tasteless compound with the chemical formula Hg2Cl2, consisting of mercury and chlorine atoms. It is also known as mercurous chloride or mercury(I) chloride. Calomel has been used historically for various applications such as in medicine and analytical chemistry.

    In medicine, calomel has been used as a purgative and a diuretic, as well as in the treatment of various ailments such as syphilis and dysentery. It was believed to possess medicinal properties due to its supposed ability to stimulate the production of saliva and gastric juices, assisting in digestion.

    In analytical chemistry, calomel has been used as a reference electrode in electrochemistry to measure and control the potential of a half-cell. Its reliability and stability in various environments have made it a suitable choice for this purpose.

    The compound is usually prepared by the reaction of mercury with hydrochloric acid or by the reaction between a solution of mercury(II) chloride and a reducing agent. Calomel exists as a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in water, forming a slightly alkaline solution.

    Due to its toxicity, calomel is no longer used as widely in medicine today and is generally considered to be unsafe. Precautions must be taken to handle and dispose of it properly to prevent harm to human health and the environment.

  2. Hydrargyri chloridum mite.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A preparation of mercury much used in medicine; an ore of mercury.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CALOMEL

  • xalomel
  • valomel
  • falomel
  • dalomel
  • czlomel
  • cslomel
  • cwlomel
  • cqlomel
  • cakomel
  • capomel
  • caoomel
  • calimel
  • calkmel
  • callmel
  • calpmel
  • cal0mel
  • cal9mel
  • calonel
  • calokel

Etymology of CALOMEL

The word "calomel" traces its origins to the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek words "kalos", meaning beautiful, and "melas", meaning black. The name refers to the characteristic color of the compound, which is a bright white powder that turns black upon exposure to light. The term "calomel" was coined by French physician Jean-Baptiste Dumas in the 19th century.

Similar spelling words for CALOMEL

Plural form of CALOMEL is CALOMELS

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