Chloroformization

/ˌklɔːroʊfɔːrmɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process or procedure of administering chloroform to a patient to produce unconsciousness or insensitivity to pain.

Etymology

From chloroform + -ization suffix indicating a process or action. This term emerged in medical literature during the 1850s-1870s when chloroform procedures were thoroughly documented.

Kelly Says

Chloroformization became so routine that by the 1860s, Queen Victoria herself requested it during childbirth, which made it socially acceptable for the first time—before that, many people believed enduring pain in childbirth was religiously required.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.