Definition

A type of chemical compound that includes mercury and is based on organic chemistry.

Example

The scientist studied the effects of organomercurial compounds on aquatic life.

Conversation

I was reading about some chemicals, and I came across the term organomercurial.

Oh really? What does that even mean?

It refers to compounds that contain mercury, often used in pharmaceuticals.

That sounds interesting, but I hope they're safe to use!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Organomercurial → It is formed from "organo-" (from Greek "organon", meaning tool or instrument) and "mercurial" (from Latin "mercurialis", meaning pertaining to mercury). The term refers to compounds that contain mercury and are associated with organic compounds, thus linking the idea of tools or instruments with the element mercury.

Memory Tip

Think of 'organo-' as relating to tools or instruments, and 'mercurial' as pertaining to mercury. This helps you remember that 'organomercurial' refers to compounds that are tools involving mercury.

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