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.
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.