chloroform: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “chloroform” mean?
A colourless, volatile, sweet-smelling liquid, chemical formula CHCl₃, used primarily as an anaesthetic agent, especially historically.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colourless, volatile, sweet-smelling liquid, chemical formula CHCl₃, used primarily as an anaesthetic agent, especially historically.
A chemical compound used as a solvent, reagent in chemical synthesis, and historically as a general anaesthetic for medical procedures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Usage differences pertain more to historical context and legal restrictions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries strong historical/period connotations (19th/early 20th century medicine). Can evoke associations with crime fiction (used to render someone unconscious).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in modern general English. More common in historical, medical, and forensic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chloroform” in a Sentence
to chloroform someoneto be chloroformedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chloroform” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The villain attempted to chloroform the detective with a soaked cloth.
- In Victorian surgery, they would chloroform the patient before amputation.
American English
- The kidnapper planned to chloroform the witness to avoid identification.
- Historical records show they chloroformed elephants for dental work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in chemical industry reports.
Academic
Common in history of medicine, chemistry textbooks, forensic science papers.
Everyday
Very rare; might appear in historical novels or crime dramas.
Technical
Common in chemistry (as a solvent/reagent), history of anaesthesia, toxicology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chloroform”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chloroform”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chloroform”
- Incorrect spelling: *chloroforme, *cloroform.
- Using as a common synonym for any modern anaesthetic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its use as a human anaesthetic was largely abandoned in the mid-20th century due to its toxicity and the development of safer alternatives.
No, this is a cinematic myth. In reality, it takes several minutes of inhaling the vapour for a person to lose consciousness.
Its primary modern use is as a solvent and reagent in chemical synthesis and laboratories.
The sweet, somewhat ethereal odour is an intrinsic property of the volatile CHCl₃ molecule.
A colourless, volatile, sweet-smelling liquid, chemical formula CHCl₃, used primarily as an anaesthetic agent, especially historically.
Chloroform is usually technical/historical in register.
Chloroform: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɒrəfɔːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrəfɔːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under chloroform”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHLORO' (green, from chlorophyll) + 'FORM' (shape) – but it's colourless. Remember: 'Chloroform' CHLOROs the FORM of consciousness (takes it away).
Conceptual Metaphor
CHLOROFORM IS A VEIL (it obscures consciousness).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is chloroform still technically used today?