thimerosal

noun

thi·​mer·​o·​sal thī-ˈmer-ə-ˌsal How to pronounce thimerosal (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Correction, December 10, 1:30 pm ET: The origin of Kennedy’s thoughts about thimerosal was misstated in a previous version of this post. Keren Landman, Vox, 10 Dec. 2024 The majority of childhood vaccines today no longer contain thimerosal, and the CDC has said there is no research linking the small amounts of the preservative used in vaccines to autism. Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 1 Dec. 2024 Research has confirmed the safety of vaccine ingredients, including thimerosal, which was once a concern for its mercury content, and longitudinal studies have demonstrated that on-time vaccination in the first year of life does not adversely affect neuropsychological outcomes later in childhood. A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 3 Dec. 2024 Theoretically, thimerosal’s ethyl-mercury base could lead to mercury poisoning in high doses. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for thimerosal 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thimerosal was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near thimerosal

Cite this Entry

“Thimerosal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thimerosal. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

thimerosal

noun
thi·​mer·​o·​sal thī-ˈmer-ə-ˌsal How to pronounce thimerosal (audio)
: a crystalline organic mercurial antiseptic C9H9HgNaO2S used especially for its antifungal and bacteriostatic properties see merthiolate

More from Merriam-Webster on thimerosal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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