tartar emetic
noun
: a poisonous efflorescent crystalline salt C8H4K2O12Sb2·3H2O of sweetish metallic taste that is used in dyeing as a mordant and especially formerly in medicine as an emetic and expectorant
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1704, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
tartar emetic
noun
: a poisonous efflorescent crystalline salt KSbOC4H4O6·¹/₂H2O of sweetish metallic taste that is used in dyeing as a mordant and especially formerly in medicine as an expectorant, anthelmintic, and emetic
called also antimony potassium tartrate, potassium antimonyltartrate, tartrated antimony