ScienceAugust 17, 2026

calomel

KAL-uh-muhl

Definition

A chemical compound (mercurous chloride) used in a standard electrode to provide a stable reference point for measuring electrical potential in laboratory experiments.

Etymology

The word originates from the Greek words 'kalos' (beautiful) and 'melas' (black), likely referring to the black color produced when the white chemical reacts with ammonia.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the reference electrode used to calibrate the electrical potential measurements during the testing of the new corrosion-resistant steel.

After nearly 6 years of research, HKU scientists created steel that survives 1,700 mV in seawater, potenti

Read the full article ↗

The Economic Times

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