carbolic acid (phenol) Caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant and antiseptic. carbuncle A painful localized bacterial infection of the skin that usually has several openings discharging pus. cardamom Rhizomatous (horizontal, usually underground stem) Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) having capsular fruits with aromatic seeds used as a spice or condiment. Plants of the related genus Amomum, used as a substitute for cardamom. carminative Inducing the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines. cascara (See Rhamnus purshiana) A buckthorn native to northwest North America; the bark yields cascara sagrada. cassia Tropical or subtropical trees, shrubs, or herbs of the genus Cassia in the pea family, having yellow flowers, and long, flat or cylindrical pods. Tropical Asian evergreen tree (Cinnamomum cassia) having aromatic bark used as a substitute for cinnamon. Castile soap Fine, hard, white, odorless soap made of olive oil and sodium hydroxide. castor oil Colorless or pale yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the castor-oil plant, used as a laxative and skin softener. catarrh Inflammation of mucous membranes, especially in the nose and throat. catechu (cutch, Acacia catechu, betel palm) Spiny Asian tree with yellow flowers, and dark heartwood. A raw material obtained from the heartwood of this plant, used in the preparation of tannins and brown dyes. caudal Near the tail or hind parts; posterior. Similar to a tail in form or function. caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) Caustic white solid, KOH, used as a bleach and in the manufacture of soaps, dyes, alkaline batteries. cerate Hard, unctuous, fat or wax-based solid, sometimes medicated, formerly applied to the skin directly or on dressings. chambray Fine lightweight fabric woven with white threads across a colored warp. chancel Space around the altar of a church for the clergy and sometimes the choir, often enclosed by a lattice or railing. chary Cautious; wary; not giving or expending freely; sparing. chelidnium Herbs of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) with brittle stems, yellowish acrid juice, pinnately divided leaves, and small yellow flowers that includes the celandine. Preparation of celandine (Chelidonium majus) used formerly as a diuretic. Cheviot Breed of sheep with short thick wool, originally raised in the Cheviot Hills. Fabric of coarse twill weave, used for suits and overcoats, originally made of Cheviot wool. chicken pox Caused by the varicella-zoster virus; indicated by skin eruptions, slight fever, and malaise. Also called varicella. chilblain Inflammation and itchy irritation of the hands, feet, or ears, caused by moist cold. chloral hydrate Colorless crystalline compound, CCl3CH(OH)2, used as a sedative and hypnotic.