Dictionary

calamine

noun cal·a·mine \ˈka-lə-ˌmīn, -mən\

: a pink liquid that is used to treat skin that is sore, itchy, sunburned, etc.

Full Definition of CALAMINE

: a mixture of zinc oxide with a small amount of ferric oxide used in lotions, liniments, and ointments

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Middle English calamyn ore of zinc, from Medieval Latin calamina, alteration of Latin cadmia — more at cadmium

First Known Use: 15th century

CALAMINE Defined for Kids

noun cal·a·mine \ˈka-lə-ˌmīn\

: a skin lotion used especially to reduce itching (as from an insect bite or poison ivy)

Medical Dictionary

noun cal·a·mine \ˈkal-ə-ˌmīn, -mən\

: a mixture of zinc oxide or zinc carbonate with a small amount of ferric oxide that is used in lotions, liniments, and ointments

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