fluorocarbon

[ floor-oh-kahr-buhn, flawr-, flohr- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a class of compounds produced by substituting fluorine for hydrogen in a hydrocarbon, and characterized by great chemical stability: used chiefly as a lubricant, refrigerant, fire extinguishing agent, and in industrial and other applications in which chemical, electrical, flame, and heat resistance is essential; banned as an aerosol propellant in the U.S. because of concern about ozone layer depletion.

fluorocarbon

/ ˌflʊərəʊˈkɑːbən /

noun

1. any compound derived by replacing all or some of the hydrogen atoms in hydrocarbons by fluorine atoms. Many of them are used as lubricants, solvents, and coatings See also Freon polytetrafluoroethylene CFC

fluorocarbon

/ flr′ō-kär′bən /

1. An inert, liquid or gaseous organic compound similar to a hydrocarbon but having fluorine atoms in the place of hydrogen atoms. Fluorocarbons are used in aerosol propellants and refrigerants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluorocarbon¹

First recorded in 1935–40; fluoro- + carbon

Example Sentences

No modern fluorocarbons are allowed, and everyone has their own recipe.

From Los Angeles Times

“But unfortunately, the technology that would give us on-the-spot testing at the beginning of races to make sure that people didn’t have fluorocarbons on their skis, the testing just hasn’t worked so far.”

From Seattle Times

Under his watch, the agency banned aerosol spray fluorocarbons to protect the Earth’s ozone layer.

From Salon

He then applies layers of sophisticated fluorocarbon waxes and powders, choosing from more than 50 types he keeps in two metal trunks.

From New York Times

The wax and powder used on elite skis contain fluorocarbons, dangerous toxins often found in aerosol products.

From Washington Post