Ammoniated mercury is a chemical compound that has been used for various purposes in the past. It is also known by its scientific name, mercuric ammonium chloride, and has been used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, and preservative. However, due to its toxic nature, its use has been limited in recent times.
Definitions
Ammoniated mercury is a white crystalline powder that is made by dissolving mercury in a solution of ammonium chloride. It is also known as white precipitate and is highly toxic.
Origin
Ammoniated mercury was first discovered in the 16th century by a German alchemist named Georgius Agricola. It was used for various purposes, including treating skin diseases, disinfecting wounds, and preserving biological specimens.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ammoniated mercury is defined as “a white crystalline compound HgNH4Cl that is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a white crystalline compound of mercury and ammonium chloride, used as a disinfectant and antiseptic.”
Associations
Ammoniated mercury is associated with toxicity and has been known to cause various health problems, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and neurological damage.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ammoniated mercury include white precipitate, mercuric ammonium chloride, and mercury ammonium chloride.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of ammoniated mercury as it is a chemical compound and not an adjective.
The same root words
Ammoniated mercury has no root words as it is a compound made up of two elements, mercury, and ammonium chloride.
Example Sentences
- The use of ammoniated mercury was common in the past as a disinfectant and antiseptic.
- The toxicity of ammoniated mercury has led to its limited use in recent times.
- The white precipitate formed by the reaction of mercury and ammonium chloride is ammoniated mercury.