trihalomethane

/ traɪˌheɪləʊˈmiːθeɪn /

noun

1. a type of chemical compound in which three of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule have been replaced by halogen atoms, esp by chlorine in drinking water. Trihalomethanes are thought to be carcinogenic

trihalomethane

/ trī′hăl-ə-mĕth′ān′ /

1. Any of various organic compounds containing three halogen atoms substituted for three of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule. It can occur in chlorinated water as a result of reaction between organic materials in the water and chlorine added as a disinfectant. Chloroform is a trihalomethane.