Definition

A powder made from zinc oxide and a little ferric oxide, often used in lotions and ointments to soothe skin irritations.

Example

The doctor recommended a calamine lotion to help relieve the itching from the rash.

Conversation

I got a really bad sunburn at the beach yesterday.

Ouch! Have you tried using calamine lotion for that?

No, I haven't, but I've heard it helps with skin irritation.

Definitely give it a shot — it should soothe your skin.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Calamine originates from the Latin word 'calamina', which refers to a type of mineral, specifically zinc carbonate. The term is derived from the Greek 'chalcanthos', meaning copper sulfate, but it evolved to refer to the zinc mineral used in medicinal applications. The word 'calamine' thus refers to a mineral used for its soothing properties, particularly in treating skin irritations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'calamine' as a mineral that soothes skin irritations, derived from the Latin word for a specific mineral. This helps you remember that calamine is used for its calming effects on the skin.

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