lindane

[ lin-deyn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, C 6 H 6 Cl 6 , the gamma isomer of benzene hexachloride: used chiefly as an insecticide, delouser, and weed-killer.

lindane

/ ˈlɪndeɪn /

noun

1. a white poisonous crystalline powder with a slight musty odour: used as an insecticide, weedkiller, and, in low concentrations, in treating scabies; 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane. Formula: C 6 H 6 Cl 6

lindane

/ lĭn′dān /

1. A white crystalline powder that is an isomer of benzene hexachloride, banned as an agricultural pesticide because of its toxicity but still used topically to treat scabies and pediculosis. Chemical formula: C 6 H 6 Cl 6 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of lindane¹

1945–50; named after T. van der Linden, 20th-century Dutch chemist; -ane

Word History and Origins

Origin of lindane¹

C20: named after T. van der Linden, Dutch chemist

Example Sentences

We no longer use some of the more toxic insecticidal drugs that used to be employed, like lindane, which was a potential neurotoxin.

From New York Times

Carrots absorb more insecticide than any other crop studied; if the insecticide used happens to be lindane, carrots actually accumulate higher concentrations than are present in the soil.

From The New Yorker

The report also warns about the use of a prescription product called lindane, since it can be dangerous.

From US News

We can hang strips impregnated with the chemical lindane in our closets and garment bags or place them in our bureau drawers for a half year’s freedom from worry over moth damage.

From Literature

Exposure to lindane can increase one’s risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 60%, according to studies conducted in Canada and the U.S.

From Time