mercury bichloride \mercury bichloride\ n.
   the compound (HgCl2) consisting of two atoms of chlorine
   united with one atom of mercury. Also called bichloride of
   mercury, mercuric chloride, corrosive sublimate, and
   mercury perchloride. It is used as "a topical antiseptic
   and disinfectant for inanimate objects". --Stedman's 25th
   [PJC]

Corrosive \Cor*ro"sive\ (k?r-r?"s?v), a. [Cf. F. corrosif.]
   1. Eating away; having the power of gradually wearing,
      changing, or destroying the texture or substance of a
      body; as, the corrosive action of an acid. "Corrosive
      liquors." --Grew. "Corrosive famine." --Thomson.
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   2. Having the quality of fretting or vexing.
      [1913 Webster]

            Care is no cure, but corrosive.       --Shak.
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   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.
      [1913 Webster]