phosgene

noun

phos·​gene ˈfäz-ˌjēn How to pronounce phosgene (audio)
: a colorless gas COCl2 of unpleasant odor that is a severe respiratory irritant that has been used in chemical warfare

Examples of phosgene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chemical weapons, which contain phosgene, arsenic and sulfur mustard (also known as mustard gas), are too lethal to handle, probably ever, admits Guldin. Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024 But that was already made clear when the EPA advised officials on scene that phosgene — which was used as a chemical weapon in World War I — and hydrogen chloride would likely be created when vinyl chloride is burned and warned the public about that possibility. Josh Funk, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024 Of those, the vinyl chloride gas that caught fire could break down into compounds including hydrogen chloride and phosgene, a chemical weapon used during World War I as a choking agent, according to the EPA and the CDC. Aya Elamroussi, CNN, 17 Feb. 2023 Burning vinyl chloride creates the toxic gas phosgene and hydrogen chloride. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phosgene 

Word History

Etymology

Greek phōs light + -genēs born, produced — more at fancy, -gen; from its originally having been obtained by the action of sunlight

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of phosgene was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near phosgene

Cite this Entry

“Phosgene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phosgene. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

phosgene

noun
phos·​gene ˈfäz-ˌjēn How to pronounce phosgene (audio)
: a colorless gas COCl2 of unpleasant odor that is a severe respiratory irritant and has been used in chemical warfare

More from Merriam-Webster on phosgene

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!