dimercaprol

noun

: 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dimercaprol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimercaprol. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: 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

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