paraldehyde

noun

par·​al·​de·​hyde pa-ˈral-də-ˌhīd How to pronounce paraldehyde (audio)
pə-
: a colorless liquid polymer C6H12O3 derived from acetaldehyde and used especially as an anticonvulsant, sedative, and hypnotic

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paraldehyde was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near paraldehyde

Cite this Entry

“Paraldehyde.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraldehyde. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

paraldehyde

noun
par·​al·​de·​hyde pa-ˈral-də-ˌhīd, pə- How to pronounce paraldehyde (audio)
: a colorless liquid polymer C6H12O3 derived from acetaldehyde and used especially as an anticonvulsant, hypnotic, and sedative

called also paracetaldehyde

More from Merriam-Webster on paraldehyde

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!