Definition

A clear, colorless liquid that is used in making certain chemicals, including DDT and chloral hydrate. It has a strong smell and can irritate the lungs.

Example

Chloral is used in the production of various chemical compounds.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of chloral?

Yeah, isn't it used in making DDT?

Exactly! I read that it's a colorless, oily aldehyde too.

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

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Chloral** → The word is derived from "chlor-" (from Greek "chloros", meaning green) and "-al" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote an aldehyde). Chloral refers to a greenish compound, specifically trichloroacetaldehyde, which is used in various chemical applications.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for green ('chloros') to remember that chloral is related to a greenish compound.

Visually Confused Words