How Do You Spell CHLORAL?

Pronunciation: [klˈɔːɹə͡l] (IPA)

The word "chloral" is spelled with a silent "o." It is pronounced /ˈklɔːrəl/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This word is commonly used in the medical field as it refers to a sedative drug. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of "chloral" is important for medical professionals and patients alike. By using the IPA, people can communicate accurately in the language of medicine and ensure that they understand each other clearly.

CHLORAL Meaning and Definition

1. Chloral is a noun that refers to a colorless, oily liquid compound with the chemical formula C2H3OCl3. It is primarily used as a sedative and hypnotic drug in medicine. Chloral works by depressant action on the central nervous system, which slows down brain activity and induces sleepiness. It is commonly used to treat insomnia, particularly the kind associated with anxiety or nervous tension.

   Chloral is typically administered orally as a liquid or in the form of capsules. Its effectiveness as a sedative is due to its ability to convert into a compound called trichloroethanol in the body, which further induces relaxation and sleep. The sedative effects of chloral usually take place within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion and can last up to 8 hours.

   Aside from its use in medicine, chloral has also been used for other purposes. It has been employed as a pesticide, as a chemical intermediate in the production of organic compounds, and as a solvent in certain industries. However, due to its toxicity and potential for abuse, its use in non-medical applications has significantly declined in recent years.

   Moreover, it is important to note that chloral should only be used under medical supervision, as its misuse or abuse can lead to various side effects including addiction, respiratory depression, and liver toxicity.

2. Chloralum, trichloraldehyde, CCl3.CHO, anhydrous chloral, a thin oily liquid of a pungent odor, formed by the action of chlorine gas on alcohol.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A liquid formed from chlorine and alcohol.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CHLORAL

• cholora
• colorul
• culural
• chloera
• ploral
• chlorix
• chlorao
• Chloram
• Cheora
• cloraa
• chlormap
• CHLOREt
• chlorxyl
• chloryd
• Chlorayt
• Sulorul
• Chlorama
• Chlorpall
• Phlora
• Chloraid
• Chlorayd
• Chlorole
• Chlorolee
• Chloroel
• Cholorae

Etymology of CHLORAL

The word "chloral" originates from the chemical compound it refers to, namely "chloral hydrate". The term "chloral" comes from the combination of two root words: "chlor" and "aldehyde".

The term "chlor" comes from the Greek word "khlōros", meaning "greenish-yellow". This is because chlorine, a chemical element, has a greenish-yellow color.

The term "aldehyde" is derived from an Arabic word "al-kohl", which means "the powdered antimony sulfide used to stain the eyelids". In medieval times, alchemists obtained a colorless liquid by distilling alcohol with this antimony compound, which they called "al-kohl", meaning "the alchemical powder". The word "alcohol" eventually evolved from "al-kohl".

Plural form of CHLORAL is CHLORALS