noun
- a colorless oily liquid compound used as a sedative and hypnotic, especially in the form chloral hydrate
Usage: medical; chemistry
Examples
- The doctor prescribed chloral hydrate to help the patient sleep.
- Chloral was once commonly used as a sleeping medication.
- The chemist synthesized chloral in the laboratory.
- Chloral hydrate has largely been replaced by safer sedatives.
- The compound chloral is derived from ethanol and chlorine.
- Medical professionals must handle chloral with care due to its potency.