Definition

A white or colorless compound made of mercury and chlorine, used in medicine and as an insecticide.

Example

The doctor prescribed calomel as a treatment for the patient's condition.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of calomel?

Yeah, it's that compound used in some medicines, right?

Exactly! I read it's also used as an insecticide.

That's interesting! I didn't know it had so many uses.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Calomel is derived from the Greek "kalos" (meaning beautiful) and "melas" (meaning black). The term refers to mercurous chloride, which has a white appearance but was historically associated with the treatment of various ailments, hence the juxtaposition of 'beautiful' and 'black' in its name.

Memory Tip

Think of 'beautiful' ('kalos') and 'black' ('melas') to remember that calomel is a substance that, despite its name suggesting beauty, is a compound used in medicine.

Visually Confused Words