'HgCl2' definitions:

Definition of 'HgCl2'

From: GCIDE
  • mercury bichloride \mercury bichloride\ n. the compound (HgCl2) consisting of two atoms of chlorine united with one atom of mercury. Also called {bichloride of mercury}, mercuric chloride, corrosive sublimate, and mercury perchloride. It is used as "a topical antiseptic and disinfectant for inanimate objects". --Stedman's 25th [PJC]

Definition of 'HgCl2'

From: GCIDE
  • Corrosive \Cor*ro"sive\ (k?r-r?"s?v), a. [Cf. F. corrosif.]
  • 1. Eating away; having the power of gradually wearing, changing, or destroying the texture or substance of a body; as, the corrosive action of an acid. "Corrosive liquors." --Grew. "Corrosive famine." --Thomson. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Having the quality of fretting or vexing. [1913 Webster]
  • Care is no cure, but corrosive. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Corrosive sublimate (Chem.), mercuric chloride, HgCl2; so called because obtained by sublimation, and because of its harsh irritating action on the body tissue. Usually it is in the form of a heavy, transparent, crystalline substance, easily soluble, and of an acrid, burning taste. It is a virulent poison, a powerful antiseptic, and an excellent antisyphilitic; called also {mercuric bichloride}. It is to be carefully distinguished from calomel, the mild chloride of mercury. [1913 Webster]