CANTHARIDAL Meaning and
Definition
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Cantharidal is an adjective that pertains to cantharides, which are a type of blistering agent derived from the dried bodies of beetles belonging to the family Meloidae, specifically species in the genus Cantharis. Cantharides have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and particularly in blister plasters to treat various conditions, such as skin diseases, warts, rheumatism, and even impotence.
The term "cantharidal" describes the characteristic properties or effects associated with the use of cantharides. It typically refers to the blistering or irritant effect that these substances produce when applied to the skin. Cantharides contain cantharidin, a toxic substance that acts as a caustic irritant and induces the formation of blisters or vesicles. The cantharidal effect is achieved by the stimulation of blood circulation and the release of inflammatory mediators.
In a broader sense, the term "cantharidal" can also imply any action or substance with similar blistering or irritant properties as cantharides. Some medications or other substances may be described as cantharidal due to their ability to produce blistering or irritant effects for therapeutic purposes. It is important to handle cantharidal substances with caution as excessive application or ingestion can lead to severe and potentially dangerous side effects, such as blistering, burns, and chemical burns to the skin.
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Relating to or containing cantharides.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CANTHARIDAL
- xantharidal
- vantharidal
- fantharidal
- dantharidal
- czntharidal
- csntharidal
- cwntharidal
- cqntharidal
- cabtharidal
- camtharidal
- cajtharidal
- cahtharidal
- canrharidal
- canfharidal
- cangharidal
- canyharidal
- can6haridal
- can5haridal
- cantgaridal
Etymology of CANTHARIDAL
The word "Cantharidal" has its origins in Greek and Latin. It is derived from the Greek word "kantharis", meaning "blister beetle", and the Latin word "cantharis", which refers to the same beetle. The Greek word "kantharis" was later adapted into Latin as "cantharis". This term was used to describe a particular type of beetle known as the blister beetle, which is characterized by its secretion of a substance called "cantharidin". Cantharidin has been historically used for various purposes, such as producing blisters in medical treatments and as an aphrodisiac. The term "Cantharidal" is often used to describe anything related to or involving cantharidin or the blister beetle.
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