Vesicants

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A class of compounds that trigger blistering of the skin and irritation of mucous membranes can be harmful agents on contact
2. Agents that cause the formation of blisters on skin and irritate mucous membranes upon contact
3. Chemicals known for producing painful skin blisters and inflammation of membranes when they touch the body

Etymology: Vesicants are chemical agents that raise blisters, and the name comes from a Latin verb meaning "to blister." Late Latin "vēsīcō" gave rise to the present participle "vēsīcāns," which passed into English as "vesicant," with the "-ant" ending that marks something that acts or causes an effect. The plural "vesicants" is simply the form used when speaking of more than one such agent. The word's Latin root, "vesica," originally meant "bladder" or "blister," so the sense of the term has stayed close to its physical origin. The chemistry that the word now covers is a far later development, and the name transferred to these agents because their most visible effect is the raised, fluid-filled skin the Latin word described.

Synonyms: blistering agents, irritants