anthracene

[ an-thruh-seen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline powder, C 14 H 12 , obtained from coal tar and having a violet fluorescence: used chiefly as a source of anthraquinone and alizarin, and in the process of measuring radioactive materials.

anthracene

/ ˈænθrəˌsiːn /

noun

1. a colourless tricyclic crystalline solid having a slight blue fluorescence, used in the manufacture of chemicals, esp diphenylamine and alizarin, and as crystals in scintillation counters. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CH) 2 C 6 H 4

anthracene

/ ăn′thrə-sēn′ /

1. A crystalline hydrocarbon that consists of three benzene rings fused together. It is extracted from coal tar and is used to make dyes and organic chemicals. Chemical formula: C 14 H 10 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthracene¹

First recorded in 1860–65; anthrac- + -ene

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthracene¹

C19: from anthrax + -ene

Example Sentences

Anthracene is one of the last products passing over in the dry distillation of coal-tar.

From Project Gutenberg

Anthracene is a white crystalline hydrocarbon, having a bluish fluorescence, melting at 213° C. and boiling above 360° C.

From Project Gutenberg

It separates in the form of crystals from the anthracene oil on cooling, and is removed by filtration.

From Project Gutenberg

The anthracene by washing with these solvents is freed from more soluble impurities, and may then contain from 30 to 80 per cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Another trihydroxy-anthraquinone, although not obtained directly from anthracene, must be claimed as a tar-product.

From Project Gutenberg