phosgene

[ fos-jeen, foz- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a poisonous, colorless, very volatile liquid or suffocating gas, COCl 2 , a chemical-warfare compound: used chiefly in organic synthesis.

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

phosgene

/ fŏs′jēn′ /

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: COCl 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosgene¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosgene¹

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

Example Sentences

In this bombardment he used a considerable number of shells containing phosgene gas.

From Project Gutenberg

This relief was considerably interrupted by a further lavish use of phosgene by the Germans.

From Project Gutenberg

Construction of the phosgene plant at Edgewood was begun on March 1, 1918.

From Project Gutenberg

England received 900 tons of our chlorpicrin and 368 tons of American phosgene.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition to this we shipped 18,600 Livens drums loaded with phosgene.

From Project Gutenberg