Definition

A substance that is used to dissolve another substance, often used in chemistry or medicine to extract compounds from materials.

Example

In the laboratory, the chemist used a menstruum to extract essential oils from the plant.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with a menstruum in your experiments?

I haven't, but I've read that it's really useful for extracting compounds.

Yeah, I find it fascinating how a menstruum can dissolve solids so effectively.

Definitely! It seems like an essential part of the process.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Menstruum is derived from the Latin "mensis" (meaning month) and the suffix "-trum" (indicating a means or instrument). The term originally referred to a monthly cycle, particularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, and has come to denote a solvent or medium in which substances are dissolved.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'month' ('mensis') to remember that 'menstruum' relates to a cycle, particularly the monthly cycle, and also serves as a medium for dissolving substances.

Visually Confused Words