Definition

A medication that was once used to help people sleep but was taken off the market because it caused serious birth defects when pregnant women took it. It is now sometimes used to treat leprosy.

Example

Thalidomide was banned in many countries due to its harmful effects on unborn babies.

Conversation

Have you heard about the history of thalidomide?

Yeah, it's really tragic what happened to so many people.

I read that it was originally marketed as a safe sleeping pill.

Exactly, but then it led to so many birth defects, which is heartbreaking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thalidomide is derived from the Greek word "thalamos" (meaning chamber or room) and the suffix "-ide" (used in chemistry to denote a chemical compound). The word refers to a compound that was originally developed for its sedative properties, metaphorically suggesting a 'chamber' of calmness or sleep.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'chamber' of calmness when you think of thalidomide, as it was designed to bring about a state of relaxation.

Visually Confused Words