chloral: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “chloral” mean?
A colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor, chemically known as trichloroacetaldehyde.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor, chemically known as trichloroacetaldehyde.
Historically, a sedative and hypnotic drug produced by the combination of chloral with water, commonly known as chloral hydrate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both regions use the term identically in technical contexts. The historical medicinal term 'chloral hydrate' was used in both medical communities.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term primarily evokes chemistry or historical medicine. Slight literary or true-crime association due to its historical use as a 'knock-out drop'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Appears almost exclusively in scientific, historical, or forensic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chloral” in a Sentence
chloral + verb (is/was/forms)chloral + noun (hydrate/solution)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chloral” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chloral derivative was unstable.
- They studied the chloral reaction mechanism.
American English
- The chloral compound was isolated.
- They analyzed the chloral synthesis pathway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in chemistry and pharmacology textbooks or historical medical papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear in historical novels or true-crime discussions.
Technical
Used in organic chemistry for the compound C2HCl3O and its reactions. In forensic science, may be mentioned in historical toxicology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chloral”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chloral”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chloral”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈkloʊrəl/ (like 'chlorine').
- Using it as a general term for any sedative.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its medicinal use as chloral hydrate is largely obsolete due to the development of safer and more effective sedatives. It is primarily of historical interest.
They are different chemical compounds. Chloral is trichloroacetaldehyde (C2HCl3O). Chloroform is trichloromethane (CHCl3), which was used as an anaesthetic.
Historically, chloral hydrate was addictive, had a narrow therapeutic window (the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose was small), and could cause severe respiratory depression or death.
It is highly unlikely. You will only encounter it in specialised scientific writing, historical texts, or perhaps in the context of vintage crime stories.
A colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor, chemically known as trichloroacetaldehyde.
Chloral is usually technical / historical in register.
Chloral: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːr(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “knock-out drops (historical slang for chloral hydrate in a drink)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHLOeRAL: Think of 'Chloe' needing to 'rally' after being given chloral as an old sleep aid.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHEMICAL COMPOUND IS A HISTORICAL ARTEFACT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'chloral' primarily used today?