or dimethylsulfoxide (daɪˌmiːθaɪlsʌlˈfɒksaɪd, -ˌmɛθɪl-)
noun
a colourless odourless liquid substance used as a solvent and in medicine as an agent to improve the penetration of drugs applied to the skin. Formula: (CH3)2SO
Abbreviation: DMSO
▶ USAGE See note at sulphur
DMSO in American English
(ˌdiˌɛmˌɛsˈoʊ)
noun
a colorless liquid, (CH3)2SO, that diffuses very rapidly through the skin: used as a solvent and experimentally in medicine
Word origin
d(i)m(ethyl) s(ulf)o(xide)
DMSO in American English
abbreviation
dimethyl sulfoxide: a liquid substance, C2H6OS, used in industry as a solvent and paint and varnish remover; proposed as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory in musculoskeletal disorders
Word origin
[1960–65; d(i)m(ethyl) s(ulf)o(xide)]This word is first recorded in the period 1960–65. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: buyback, disco, go-go, pop art, proxemics