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dimethyl sulfoxide
noun
: a compound C2H6SO obtained as a by-product in wood-pulp manufacture and used as a solvent and in medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent
called also DMSO
Examples of dimethyl sulfoxide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On Thursday, researchers at Northwestern University published a study showing that PFAS can be destroyed using two relatively harmless chemicals: sodium hydroxide or lye, a chemical used to make soap, and dimethyl sulfoxide, a chemical approved as a medication for bladder pain syndrome.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 18 Aug. 2022
Researchers added an uncommon solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide, to heat the molecule to between 80 and 120 degrees Celsius.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 23 Jan. 2023
Depending on the sample, scientists might use different techniques to prevent ice crystals from developing, but the most common method is to treat the cells with dimethyl sulfoxide.
—Katharine Gammon, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2019
The Northwestern scientists added PFAS molecules to a solution of lye and dimethyl sulfoxide and exposed them to temperatures of up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 18 Aug. 2022
For the electrolyte, the researchers used a mixture of organic chemicals that had been demonstrated in earlier work (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate mixed with dimethyl sulfoxide).
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dimethyl sulfoxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1964, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of dimethyl sulfoxide was
in 1964
Dictionary Entries Near dimethyl sulfoxide
Cite this Entry
“Dimethyl sulfoxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dimethyl%20sulfoxide. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
dimethyl sulfoxide
noun
: an anti-inflammatory agent (CH3)2SO used in the treatment of interstitial cystitis
called also DMSO
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