Bismuth subgallate is a chemical compound that has been used in medicine for centuries. It is a greyish-white powder that is insoluble in water and has a faint odor. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bismuth subgallate, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Bismuth subgallate is a chemical compound with the formula Bi(C7H5O6)3. It is a complex salt that is formed by the reaction of bismuth oxide with gallic acid. It is used in medicine as an astringent and antiseptic.
Origin
Bismuth subgallate was first discovered in 1834 by the French chemist Jean Baptiste Dumas. He prepared it by reacting bismuth nitrate with gallic acid. The compound was later studied by other chemists, and its medical properties were discovered.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bismuth subgallate is “a grayish-white powder that is used in medicine as an astringent and antiseptic”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a complex salt of bismuth and gallic acid, used in medicine as an astringent and antiseptic”.
Associations
Bismuth subgallate is commonly used in medicine to treat various conditions such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and skin irritations. It is also used as an ingredient in some cosmetic products.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bismuth subgallate include bismuth gallate, bismuth tribromphenate, and bismuth subnitrate.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for bismuth subgallate as it is a chemical compound and not a concept or idea.
The same root words
Bismuth subgallate contains the root words “bismuth” and “gallate”. Bismuth is a chemical element with the symbol Bi and atomic number 83, while gallate is an organic acid that is derived from gallic acid.
Example Sentences
- The doctor prescribed bismuth subgallate to treat my diarrhea.
- The cosmetic product contains bismuth subgallate as one of its ingredients.
- Bismuth subgallate is used as an astringent and antiseptic in medicine.