Calamine is a word that is commonly misspelled due to its unusual pronunciation. The word is pronounced as kæləmaɪn, with emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as "kal," which rhymes with "pal." The second syllable is pronounced as "uh," followed by "main" (rhymes with "gain"). Calamine is a mineral substance that has been used for centuries in medicinal and cosmetic products. Remembering the correct spelling can be easy with the help of IPA phonetic transcription.
Calamine is a noun that refers to a pinkish-white, powdery substance used primarily for its soothing and healing properties in medicinal and cosmetic preparations. It is commonly utilized to treat minor skin irritations, itching, and rashes. Calamine is derived from a mixture of zinc oxide and a small amount of ferric oxide (iron oxide), resulting in its characteristic pale pink hue.
In medicinal applications, calamine is often used topically as a lotion or cream to alleviate itching and provide relief from minor skin conditions such as poison ivy, insect bites, sunburn, or hives. Its mild astringent and antipruritic properties help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Additionally, calamine acts as a protectant by forming a barrier over the affected area, preventing further irritation or infection.
In the cosmetic industry, calamine is commonly found as an ingredient in various skincare products such as lotions, masks, and creams due to its soothing and healing qualities. It is particularly favored for its ability to calm and moisturize sensitive or inflamed skin, making it a popular choice for individuals with easily irritated or acne-prone skin.
Overall, calamine is a versatile substance widely recognized for its gentle yet effective skincare benefits.
Zinc carbonate, ZnCO3.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common name for the carbonate of zinc.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "calamine" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the late Latin word "calamina", which originally referred to a type of zinc ore. This Latin word, in turn, has its roots in the Ancient Greek word "khalix", meaning "scrapings" or "copper scum". The term "calamine" evolved over time to also refer to a medicinal ointment or lotion made from zinc oxide and used to relieve itchiness and irritation caused by skin conditions such as sunburn, insect bites, or rashes.