dinitrophenol

American  

[dahy-nahy-truh-fee-nawl, -nol] / daɪˌnaɪ trəˈfi nɔl, -nɒl /

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. any of the six isomers consisting of phenol where two hydrogen atoms are substituted by nitro groups, C 6 H 4 N 2 O 5 , used in dyes and wood preservatives, and in biochemistry to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation.

---

Etymology

Origin of dinitrophenol

First recorded in 1895–1900; di- ¹ + nitrophenol

Example Sentences

The fearful power of penta, which acts in much the same way as dinitrophenol, is illustrated in a fatal accident recently reported by the California State Department of Public Health.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

A post-mortem report read at the inquest revealed the cause of death as dinitrophenol toxicity.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2015

In the 1930s, doctors prescribed an industrial chemical called dinitrophenol, which accelerated metabolism, but also caused fever, swelling and deadly toxicity in some patients.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2012

Like dinitrophenol, Prontosil is an aro matic coal tar product.

From Time Magazine Archive

Experiments show that the motility of bull sperm is decreased by dinitrophenol, which interferes with the energy- coupling mechanism with inevitable loss of energy.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson