phosgene

[ fos-jeen, foz- ]

nounChemistry.
  1. a poisonous, colorless, very volatile liquid or suffocating gas, COCl2, a chemical-warfare compound: used chiefly in organic synthesis.

Origin of phosgene

1
1805–15; <Greek phôs light (contraction of pháos) + -genēs-gen

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British Dictionary definitions for phosgene

phosgene

/ (ˈfɒzdʒiːn) /


noun
  1. a colourless easily liquefied poisonous gas, carbonyl chloride, with an odour resembling that of new-mown hay: used in chemical warfare as a lethal choking agent and in the manufacture of pesticides, dyes, and polyurethane resins. Formula: COCl 2

Origin of phosgene

1
C19: from Greek phōs light + -gene, variant of -gen

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for phosgene

phosgene

[ fŏsjēn′ ]


  1. A colorless, volatile gas that has the odor of freshly mowed hay. When it reacts with water (as in the lungs during respiration), phosgene produces hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide. It is used in making glass, dyes, resins, and plastics, and was used as a poisonous gas during World War I. Also called carbonyl chloride. Chemical formula: COCl2.

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