How Do You Spell MERCURIAL PLASTER?

Pronunciation: [mɜːkjˈʊɹɪəl plˈastə] (IPA)

Mercurial plaster is a medicinal preparation that was commonly used in the past to treat skin infections and syphilis. The word "mercurial" is pronounced /mɜːˈkjʊərɪəl/, with the stress on the second syllable. It comes from the Latin word "mercurialis", meaning "pertaining to Mercury", the Roman god of trade and profit. The spelling of "plaster" is straightforward, pronounced /ˈplæstər/ with the stress on the first syllable. The word "mercurial" is the more unusual spelling, reflecting the historical significance of mercury as a chemical element.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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MERCURIAL PLASTER Meaning and Definition

  1. Mercurial plaster refers to a medical preparation that consists of a combination of mercury and some kind of adhesive material like resin or wax. It is typically in the form of a plaster or ointment that is applied topically to the skin for therapeutic purposes.

    This type of plaster has been used in traditional medicine for several centuries, particularly in ancient times, due to the belief that the incorporation of mercury had therapeutic properties. However, it is important to note that the use of mercurial plasters has significantly declined in modern medicine due to safety concerns associated with mercury toxicity.

    The application of mercurial plaster is believed to exert a counterirritant effect on the skin, which means it helps to relieve pain or inflammation in a particular area by creating a distraction or mild irritation. Some historical applications of this plaster include its use to treat joint pain, rheumatism, or as a decongestant for chest complaints.

    Due to the toxic nature of mercury, the use of mercurial plaster is highly discouraged in contemporary medicine and is no longer considered a safe or effective treatment option. Furthermore, alternative and safer methods have been developed to address the same conditions for which mercurial plaster was used in the past. Medical professionals strongly advise against using or preparing mercurial plasters due to the potential risk of mercury poisoning.

  2. Emplastrum hydrargyri.

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

Common Misspellings for MERCURIAL PLASTER

  • mercurial plastev
  • mercurial plastep
  • mercurial plastes
  • m ercurial plaster
  • me rcurial plaster
  • mer curial plaster
  • merc urial plaster
  • mercu rial plaster
  • mercur ial plaster
  • mercuri al plaster
  • mercuria l plaster
  • mercurial pl aster
  • mercurial pla ster
  • mercurial plas ter
  • mercurial plast er
  • mercurial plaste r

Etymology of MERCURIAL PLASTER

The term "mercurial plaster" is derived from the combination of a few elements:

1. Mercurial: The word "mercurial" is rooted in the Latin word "mercurius", which means Mercury. Mercury is a chemical element known for its liquid silver appearance. In ancient Roman mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods and was associated with speed and transience. Over time, "mercurial" came to represent something that was erratic, changeable, or volatile.

2. Plaster: Plaster refers to a type of material used in medicine for dressing wounds, in building and construction for covering walls, and other applications. The term "plaster" itself comes from the Old English "plastrum" and Latin "plastrum", which mean "a patch" or "a paste".