— chloroformic , adj.
/klawr"euh fawrm', klohr"-/ , n.
1. Also called trichloromethane . Chem., Pharm. a colorless, volatile, nonflammable, slightly water-soluble, pungent, sweet-tasting liquid, CHCl 3 , usually derived from acetone, acetaldehyde, or ethyl alcohol by the reaction of chloride of lime: used chiefly in medicine as a solvent and formerly as an anesthetic.
v.t.
2. to administer chloroform to, esp. in order to anesthetize, make unconscious, or kill.
3. to put chloroform on (a cloth, object, etc.).
[ 1830-40; CHLORO- 2 + FORM(YL) ]