dimercaprol

noun

di·​mer·​cap·​rol ˌdī-mər-ˈka-ˌprȯl How to pronounce dimercaprol (audio)
-ˌprōl
: a compound C3H8OS2 developed as an antidote against lewisite and used to treat arsenic, mercury, and gold poisoning

called also BAL

Word History

Etymology

di- + mercaptan + propane + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dimercaprol was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Dimercaprol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimercaprol. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

dimercaprol

noun
di·​mer·​cap·​rol ˌdī-(ˌ)mər-ˈkap-ˌrȯl How to pronounce dimercaprol (audio) -ˌrōl How to pronounce dimercaprol (audio)
: a colorless viscous oily compound C3H8OS2 with an offensive odor developed as an antidote to lewisite and used in treating arsenic, mercury, and gold poisoning

called also BAL, British anti-lewisite

More from Merriam-Webster on dimercaprol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dimercaprol

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