CultureAugust 29, 2026

chaulmoogra

chawl-MOO-gruh

Definition

A type of oil extracted from the seeds of certain tropical trees, historically used as a traditional treatment for leprosy.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Hindi name for the tree, 'chaulmugra', and was adopted into English in the 19th century as the oil became recognized for its medicinal properties in Western science.

In the news

In the article, the term appears in a description of Alice Augusta Ball’s scientific work, specifically her breakthrough in developing an injectable form of this oil to treat Hansen’s disease.

Unfolding Hidden Histories: Renee Magnanti’s Women Scientists

Read the full article ↗

Whitehot Magazine of Contemporary Art

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