Dioxin (noun)

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. The chemical plant was found to be producing dioxins as a by-product.
2. The incident released a large amount of dioxin into the air.
3. Exposure to dioxins can cause cancer and other health problems.
4. Dioxins are considered to be some of the most toxic chemicals known to science.
5. The dioxins levels in the soil were found to be high.