Dioxin
(noun)
- Any of a group of toxic chemical compounds, many of which are by-products of industrial processes, that are highly persistent in the environment and are known to cause cancer and other health problems in humans and animals.
- A family of toxic chemical compounds, many of which are by-products of industrial processes, that are highly persistent in the environment and are known to cause cancer and other health problems in humans and animals.
Origin:
From dioxy- + -in, a chemical suffix indicating a compound containing the indicated functional group.
Examples:
- The chemical plant was found to be producing dioxins as a by-product.
- The incident released a large amount of dioxin into the air.
- Exposure to dioxins can cause cancer and other health problems.
- Dioxins are considered to be some of the most toxic chemicals known to science.
- The dioxins levels in the soil were found to be high.