Definition

A clear, colorless liquid that has a sweet smell and is used in various applications like solvents and refrigerants. It was once commonly used as an anesthetic in surgeries but is now less frequently used due to its toxicity.

Example

The laboratory used chloroform to dissolve the chemical compounds for the experiment.

Conversation

Did you know that chloroform was once used as an anesthetic?

Really? I had no idea it was used for that purpose.

Yeah, but it's mostly been replaced by safer options now.

That makes sense; I guess safety is a big concern in medicine.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To use a chemical compound to anesthetize or make someone unconscious.

Example

The doctor decided to chloroform the patient before the surgery.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read that some old movies used to chloroform people to make them unconscious.

Really? That sounds kind of scary and dangerous.

Yeah, they thought it was a quick solution for surgery back then.

Root Explanation

Chloroform is formed from "chloro-" (from Greek "chloros", meaning green) and "form" (from Latin "forma", meaning shape or form). The word refers to a compound that has a greenish color and a specific chemical structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'green' ('chloro-') to remember that chloroform is a chemical compound with a distinct structure.

Visually Confused Words