Definition

A chemical compound that was used in the past to treat syphilis, made from arsenic.

Example

Doctors used salvarsan to help patients suffering from syphilis before other treatments were developed.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of salvarsan?

I think I've read about it in a history class, but I'm not sure what it is.

It's an old medicine that was used to treat syphilis.

Oh, that’s interesting! I didn't know they had something like that back then.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Salvarsan is a compound word formed from 'salv-' (from Latin 'salvare', meaning to save) and 'arsen' (derived from 'arsenic', referring to the chemical element). The word 'salvarsan' refers to a drug that was used to treat syphilis, emphasizing its role in saving or curing patients from the disease.

Memory Tip

Think of 'salv-' meaning to 'save' and 'arsenic' as the chemical component — this helps you remember that salvarsan is a drug that saves people from syphilis.

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