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Zinc oxide with a small amount of ferric oxide or basic zinc carbonate suitably colored with ferric oxide; used in dusting powders, lotions, and ointments, as a mild astringent and protective agent for skin disorders. [Mediev. L. calamina, fr. L. cadmia, fr. G. kadmia, Theban (earth), fr. Kadmos, founder of Thebes]
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cal·a·mine 'kal-ə-.mīn, -mən n a mixture of zinc oxide or zinc carbonate with a small amount of ferric oxide that is used in lotions, liniments, and ointments
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n.
a preparation of zinc carbonate used as a mild astringent on the skin in the form of a lotion, cream, or ointment.
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cal·a·mine (kalґə-mīn)1. [USP] a pink powder used as a mild astringent and skin protectant, consisting of zinc oxide with a small proportion of ferric oxide; applied topically. 2. a similar preparation containing zinc carbonate instead of zinc oxide.Medical dictionary. 2011.