litharge

/ˈlɪθɑːrdʒ/ (LITH-urdj)

Definitions

1. noun

A form of mercury oxide, HgO, used in the past as a pigment, and in medicine as a treatment for syphilis.

“The artist used litharge as a pigment in her oil paintings, but it was later found to be toxic.”

Synonyms

  • cinnabar
  • mercury oxide