iodoform, n.
(aɪˈəʊdəʊfɔːm, ˈaɪədəʊfɔːm)
[f. iodo- + formyl): cf. chloroform.]
A compound of iodine (= tri-iodomethane, or methenyl tri-iodide, CHI3), analogous to chloroform, obtained in light yellow scaly crystals, having an odour of saffron and a sweet taste; used medicinally, and as an antiseptic, esp. in surgical dressings.
| 1838 T. Thomson Chem. Org. Bodies 315 Iodoform.. was first observed by Serullas in the year 1822. 1867 N. Syd. Soc. Bien. Retrosp. for 1865–6. 378 Dr. Eastlake advocates iodoform as a topical application. 1895 Westm. Gaz. 13 Dec. 8/1 Ladies had frequently complained of late of the too perceptible odour of iodoform in the theatres and concert-rooms [at Halle] which duelling students in a convalescent state were accustomed to grace with their presence. |
| attrib. 1878 Braithwaite's Med. Retrosp. LXXVII. 254 Iodoform pills have acted like a charm. 1885 Ibid. XC. 371, I painted the surface of the inflamed skin with the iodoform-collodion. 1897 W. Anderson Surg. Treat. Lupus 7 The wound may..be dressed with iodoform powder. |
Hence iˈodoform, iodoˈformize vbs. trans., to treat or impregnate with iodoform. iodoˈformism, ‘poisoning by the medical use of iodoform’ (Syd. Soc. Lex. 1887).