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Formerly used by inhalation to produce general anesthesia; also used as a solvent. SYN: trichloromethane. [chlor(ine) + form(yl)]
- acetone c. SYN: chlorobutanol.
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chlo·ro·form 'klōr-ə-.fȯrm, 'klȯr- n a colorless volatile heavy toxic liquid CHCl3 with an ether odor used esp. as a solvent called also trichloromethane
chloroform vt to treat with chloroform esp. so as to produce anesthesia or death
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n.
a volatile liquid formerly widely used as a general anaesthetic. Because its use as such causes liver damage and affects heart rhythm, chloroform is now used only in low concentrations as a flavouring agent and preservative, in the treatment of flatulence, and in liniments as a rubefacient.
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chlo·ro·form (klorґə-form) trichloromethane, CHCl3, a colorless, volatile liquid with a strong ethereal odor and a sweetish, burning taste, a common laboratory solvent; it is hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic when ingested. It was once widely used as an inhalation anesthetic and analgesic, and as an antitussive, carminative, and counterirritant.Medical dictionary. 2011.