thimerosal
/θaɪˈmɛrəˌsæl/
noun
- A chemical compound containing mercury that is used as a preservative in some vaccines and other medical products.
- Many parents became concerned about thimerosal in vaccines, though studies have shown it is safe in small amounts.
- Thimerosal has been used for decades to prevent contamination in multi-dose vaccine vials.
- Manufacturers removed thimerosal from most childhood vaccines in the early 2000s as a precaution.