noun
- Plural of paraldehyde; a colorless, volatile liquid compound used as a sedative and hypnotic drug, or as a solvent in chemical processes.
Usage: chemistry; medicine; technical
Examples
- Paraldehydes were commonly prescribed in the early 20th century as a treatment for insomnia.
- The chemist stored several bottles of paraldehydes in the laboratory cabinet.
- Paraldehydes have a distinctive pungent odor that is easily recognizable.
- Modern medicine has largely replaced paraldehydes with safer, more effective sedatives.
- The pharmaceutical company discontinued production of paraldehydes due to declining demand.