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Thalidomide - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Thalidomide is a drug originally used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women but later found to cause severe birth defects. It is now used cautiously for certain cancers and leprosy.

thalidomide

/θəˈlɪdəˌmaɪd/ /θəˈlɪdəmaɪd/

Definition:

A sedative drug notorious for causing severe birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

Synonyms:

Contergan, Distaval, Softenon

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(No direct antonyms; contextually) safe medication, harmless drug

Common Collocations:

thalidomide babies, thalidomide scandal, thalidomide tragedy

Derivatives:

thalidomidic, thalidomide-like

Usage Tips:

Use "thalidomide" cautiously due to its historical association with birth defects; often cited in medical ethics discussions.

Common Phrases:

thalidomide disaster, victims of thalidomide, thalidomide tragedy

Etymology:

Derived from Greek "thalidomide," combining "thalid-" (from "phthalein") and "-imide" (a chemical suffix).

Examples:

  • 1. Thalidomide was once prescribed for morning sickness but caused severe deformities.
  • 2. Doctors now strictly regulate thalidomide due to its tragic side effects.
  • 3. The thalidomide scandal changed global drug safety regulations forever.
  • 4. Survivors of the thalidomide disaster continue to advocate for stricter testing laws.

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