tartar emetic

noun

: a poisonous efflorescent crystalline salt C₈H₄K₂O₁₂Sb₂·3H₂O of sweetish metallic taste that is used in dyeing as a mordant and especially formerly in medicine as an emetic and expectorant

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tartar emetic was circa 1704

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Style

“Tartar emetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tartar%20emetic. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

tartar emetic

noun

: a poisonous efflorescent crystalline salt KSbOC₄H₄O₆·¹/₂H₂O of sweetish metallic taste that is used in dyeing as a mordant and especially formerly in medicine as an expectorant, anthelmintic, and emetic

called also antimony potassium tartrate, potassium antimonyltartrate, tartrated antimony

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tartar emetic

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near tartar emetic

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition