bromoform: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bromoform” mean?
A heavy, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid compound (CHBr₃) used historically as a solvent or sedative.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid compound (CHBr₃) used historically as a solvent or sedative.
A halogenated organic compound primarily of historical and niche chemical interest, now known for its toxicity and potential environmental hazard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical/chemical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “bromoform” in a Sentence
[Subject] + contained + bromoform[Subject] + was synthesized from + bromoformThe [process] + yielded + bromoformVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bromoform” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bromoform sample was stored in a dark bottle.
- A bromoform-based extraction method.
American English
- The bromoform solution required a fume hood.
- A bromoform-contaminated site.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in chemistry and environmental science papers discussing halogenated compounds or historical reagents.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain; used in lab manuals, chemical safety sheets, and synthetic chemistry texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bromoform”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bromoform”
- Mispronouncing as 'bromo-form' with equal stress on both parts (correct: stress on first syllable).
- Confusing it with chloroform due to similar suffix and historical use as an anesthetic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, bromoform is toxic, can cause liver and kidney damage, and is a suspected carcinogen. It requires strict safety protocols.
Its uses are now very limited, primarily to niche laboratory procedures as a solvent or dense liquid for separations, and in research.
It is often described as having a sweet, chloroform-like odour.
It can be both. It is produced synthetically for laboratory use, but it is also a natural product formed by some algae and in treated drinking water.
A heavy, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid compound (CHBr₃) used historically as a solvent or sedative.
Bromoform is usually technical / scientific in register.
Bromoform: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrəʊmə(ʊ)fɔːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbroʊməˌfɔːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BROther MOM FORMed' it: BRO (bromine) + MO (one carbon) + FORM (as in chemical form).
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a concrete chemical substance.
Practice
Quiz
Bromoform is best classified as: