Chloral (noun)

A colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid used as a sedative and hypnotic drug.

Origin:

Mid 19th century. from german chloral, from chlor- (from chlorine) + -al (as in alcohol).

Examples:

1. The patient was given chloral to help her sleep before the surgery.
2. Chloral was a commonly used sedative in the 19th century.
3. Chloral had significant side effects and was eventually replaced by safer drugs.
4. Chloral was difficult to obtain and was often used in illegal activities.
5. The patient had an allergic reaction to the chloral and had to be taken off the medication.