Bromism
/ˈbroʊ.mɪz.əm/noun
A condition caused by excessive exposure to or ingestion of bromide compounds, producing neurological and other toxic effects.
Did you know?Bromide compounds were widely used as sedatives and anticonvulsants in the 19th and early 20th centuries, until chronic accumulation could cause confusion, hallucinations, weakness, and distinctive skin eruptions.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
βρῶμος (brômos)
“A strong smell or stench; the source of the chemical name.”
1826
French
brome
“The name given to the newly isolated halogen, based on Greek brômos, “stench.””
19th Century
New Latin
bromium
“Scientific Latin form used for the element bromine and its compounds.”
19th Century
English
bromism
“Toxic illness resulting from excessive bromide exposure or accumulation.”
Modern English
English
bromism
“A recognized form of bromide poisoning, especially involving neurological and psychiatric symptoms.”