dichlorobenzene

[ dahy-klawr-uh-ben-zeen, -ben-zeen, -klohr- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of three isomers consisting of benzene in which two of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms: ortho-, meta-, and paradichlorobenzene.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dichlorobenzene¹

di- ¹ + chloro- ² + benzene

Example Sentences

Dichlorobenzene, used in some mothballs and in solid blocks of toilet bowl and air deodorizers, is also a key suspect in triggering early puberty.

From Scientific American