chloroform Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a volatile liquid haloform (CHCl3); formerly used as an anesthetic
    trichloromethane.
    • chloroform was the first inhalation anesthetic
  2. verb anesthetize with chloroform
    • Doctors used to put people under by chloroforming them

WordNet

Chlo"ro*form noun
Etymology
Chlorine + formyl, it having been regarded as a trichloride of this radical: cf. F. chloroforme, G. chloroform.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) A colorless volatile liquid, CHCl3, having an ethereal odor and a sweetish taste, formed by treating alcohol with chlorine and an alkali. It is a powerful solvent of wax, resin, etc., and is extensively used to produce anæsthesia in surgical operations; also externally, to alleviate pain.
Chlo"ro*form transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Chloroformed ; present participle & verbal noun Chloroforming
Definitions
  1. To treat with chloroform, or to place under its influence.

Webster 1913