adamsite

[ ad-uhm-zahyt ]

noun

, Chemistry, Military.

1. a yellow irritant smoke, containing a poisonous form of arsenic and used as a harassing agent.

adamsite

/ ˈædəmˌzaɪt /

noun

1. a yellow poisonous crystalline solid that readily sublimes; diphenylaminechlorarsine. It is used in chemical warfare as a vomiting agent. Formula: C 6 H 4 AsClNHC 6 H 4 ; relative density: 1.65; melting pt: 195°C; boiling pt: 410°C Also calledphenarsazine chloride

Word History and Origins

Origin of adamsite¹

1920–25; named after R. Adams; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of adamsite¹

C20: named after Roger Adams (1899–1971), American chemist