thimerosal

noun

thi·​mer·​o·​sal thī-ˈmer-ə-ˌsal 

: a crystalline organic mercurial antiseptic C₉H₉HgNaO₂S used especially for its antifungal and bacteriostatic properties

Examples of thimerosal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Weldon, like Kennedy, believes that thimerosal has caused a spike in childhood autism cases and said as much during his time in Congress. —Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 1 Dec. 2024

Studies have also disproven connections between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal, a preservative often used in combination vaccines, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025

Many studies have found no evidence of harm of thimerosal in low doses in vaccines. —Caitlin Owens, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025

In 2003, the AAP blasted one of their articles that claimed to find a link between thimerosal and autism. —ArsTechnica, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from thi- + mercury + -o- + salicylate

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thimerosal

• counterproposal
• disposal
• petrosal
• proposal
• serosal

Medical Definition

thimerosal

noun

thi·​mer·​o·​sal thī-ˈmer-ə-ˌsal 

: a crystalline organic mercurial antiseptic C₉H₉HgNaO₂S used especially for its antifungal and bacteriostatic properties see merthiolate