chloroform

 
Pronunciation: /ˈklɔːrəfɔːm, ˈklɒr-/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a colourless, volatile, sweet-smelling liquid used as a solvent and formerly as a general anaesthetic.
    • Chemical formula: CHCl3

verb

[with object]
  • make (someone) unconscious with chloroform: they terrorized residents, often chloroforming their victims

Origin:

mid 19th century: from chloro- (representing chlorine) + form- from formic acid