contretemps Unforeseen disruption of the normal course of things; inopportune occurrence. copaiba Transparent, often yellowish, viscous oleoresin from South American trees of the genus Copaifera in the pea family, used in varnishes and as a fixative in perfume. copperas (ferrous sulfate) Greenish crystalline compound, FeSO4.7H2O, used as a pigment, fertilizer, and feed additive, in sewage and water treatment, and in the treatment of iron deficiency. corrosive sublimate Mercuric chloride. costal Relating to or near a rib. costive Constipated cranesbill (geranium, storksbill) Plants of the genus Geranium, with pink or purplish flowers. Various plants of the genus Pelargonium, native chiefly to southern Africa and widely cultivated for their rounded and showy clusters of red, pink, or white flowers. cream of tartar Potassium bitartrate. White, acid, crystalline solid or powder, KHC4H4O6, used in baking powder, in the tinning of metals, and as a laxative. Creasote (creosote) Colorless to yellowish oily liquid containing phenols and creosols, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood tar, especially from beech, and formerly used as an expectorant in treating chronic bronchitis. Also used as a wood preservative and disinfectant. May cause severe neurological disturbances if inhaled. crepe de Chine Silk crepe used for dresses and blouses. cretonne Heavy unglazed cotton, linen, or rayon fabric, colorfully printed and used for draperies and slipcovers. croton oil Brownish-yellow, foul-smelling oil from the seeds of a tropical Asian shrub or small tree (Croton tiglium); formerly used as a drastic purgative and counterirritant. Its use was discontinued because of its toxicity. croup Condition of the larynx, especially in infants and children, causing respiratory difficulty and a hoarse, brassy cough. Culver's root Perennial herb (Veronicastrum virginicum) native to eastern North America; the root was formerly used as a cathartic and an emetic. cupping Therapeutic procedure, no longer in use; an evacuated glass cup is applied to the skin to draw blood to the surface. Cuprum Copper. Curacao Flavored with sour orange peel. Popular island resort in the Netherlands Antilles. cystitis Inflammation of the urinary bladder. damask Rich patterned fabric of cotton, linen, silk, or wool. Fine, twilled table linen. deadly night-shade (bittersweet, bittersweet nightshade, climbing nightshade, poisonous nightshade, woody nightshade, Solanum dulcamara) Perennial Eurasian herb with reddish bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries; extensively grown in United States; roots and leaves yield atropine (belladonna, Atropa belladonna). decollete Cut low at the neckline. Wearing a garment that is low-cut or strapless.