The spelling of the word "tartar emetic" may seem odd to many people, but it has a clear explanation through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The word is spelled with a "t" at the beginning to indicate the voiceless alveolar plosive "t" sound, followed by "ar" to denote the rhotic "r" sound that is characteristic of many English dialects. The "tar" is then followed by "emetic," which denotes the drug's ability to induce vomiting. By breaking down the word using IPA phonetics, it becomes easier to understand its somewhat unusual spelling.
Tartar emetic is a chemical compound that is commonly used in medical and industrial settings. Chemically known as antimony potassium tartrate, it is a white or colorless crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. This compound is derived from a reaction between antimony trioxide and potassium bitartrate.
Tartar emetic is primarily used as an emetic agent, meaning it induces vomiting. It stimulates the vomiting center in the brain, causing the body to expel the contents of the stomach. This property makes it useful in cases of poisoning, where it can quickly remove toxins from the stomach before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
In addition to its emetic properties, tartar emetic also exhibits antimony toxicity. This means that prolonged or excessive use can lead to harmful effects on the body. Symptoms of antimony poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sweating, and even cardiac disturbances in severe cases. Therefore, it is crucial to use this compound under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Beyond its medical applications, tartar emetic is also used in the preparation of certain dyes and in the processing of textiles. It may be added to dye baths to improve the color fastness of certain dyes, resulting in more vibrant and long-lasting colors.
Overall, tartar emetic is an important chemical compound used for its emetic and industrial properties, but its toxic nature necessitates careful handling and responsible usage.
Antimonii et potassii tartras.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A substance consisting of tartaric acid, combined with potassa and protoxide of antimony.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "tartar emetic" consists of two main components that contribute to its etymology:
1. Tartar: The term "tartar" in this context refers to a substance known as tartaric acid or its derivative, cream of tartar. Tartar is a white crystalline deposit that sometimes forms on the inside of wine barrels during the fermentation process. This substance was historically used in medicine and chemistry.
The word "tartar" ultimately derives from the Latin word "tartarum", which refers to an encrustation formed on wine vessels. This Latin word has its roots in the Arabic word "tartar", meaning "a scaling or roughness on a surface". It was likely borrowed into Latin from this Arabic term.
2. Antimony (Emetic): The term "emetic" refers to a substance that induces vomiting.