Chloroform

(25), n. [From chlorine and formyl, it being a terchloride of formyl.] (Chem.) An oily liquid, of an aromatic, ethereal odor, consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine. It evaporates speedily, and has a specific gravity of 1.5. It is an important anaesthetic agent, and is also used externally to alleviate pain. It is a powerful solvent, dissolving wax, spermaceti, resins, &c. Gregory.