polychlorinated biphenyl

[ pol-ee-klawr-uh-ney-tid bahy-fen-l, ‐-feen-l ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. PCB ( def 1 ).

polychlorinated biphenyl

/ ˌpɒlɪˈklɔːrɪˌneɪtɪd /

noun

1. any of a group of compounds in which chlorine atoms replace the hydrogen atoms in biphenyl: used in industry in electrical insulators and in the manufacture of plastics; a toxic pollutant that can become concentrated in animal tissue PCB

polychlorinated biphenyl

/ pŏl′ē-klôr′ə-nā′tĭd /

1. See PCB

Word History and Origins

Origin of polychlorinated biphenyl¹

First recorded in 1960–65; poly- + chlorinated ( def )

Example Sentences

The environmental authority for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where Leverkusen is located, said Wednesday that the smoke contained dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyl and furan compounds.

From Seattle Times

Officials believe the polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, contamination was caused by electrical transformers that served the reactor site.

From Washington Times

I grew up in New York in the 1960s hearing about massive Polychlorinated Biphenyl – a toxic chemical used as a coolant – contamination in the Hudson River and the threatened extinction of bald eagles and ospreys from eating contaminated fish.

From The Guardian

In its review, the agency said that while polychlorinated biphenyl levels in fish remain high, more dredging doesn’t seem necessary for now.

From Washington Times

In its recent review, the agency said that while polychlorinated biphenyl levels in fish remain high, more dredging doesn’t seem necessary for now.

From Washington Times