[Corrosives] act either directly, by chemically
destroying the part, or indirectly by causing
inflammation and gangrene. --Dunglison.
2. That which has the power of fretting or irritating.
Such speeches . . . are grievous corrosives.
--Hooker.
-- {Cor*ro"sive*ly}, adv. -- {Cor*ro"sive*ness}, n.
2. Having the quality of fretting or vexing.
Care is no cure, but corrosive. --Shak.
{Corrosive sublimate} (Chem.), mercuric chloride, {HgCl2}; so
called because obtained by sublimation, and because of its
harsh irritating action on the body tissue. Usually it is
in the form of a heavy, transparent, crystalline
substance, easily soluble, and of an acrid, burning taste.
It is a virulent poison, a powerful antiseptic, and an
excellent antisyphilitic; called also {mercuric
bichloride}. It is to be carefully distinguished from
calomel, the mild chloride of mercury.