acrylonitrile

noun

ac·​ry·​lo·​ni·​trile ˌa-krə-lō-ˈnī-trəl 

-ˌtrēl

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid nitrile C₃H₃N used chiefly in organic synthesis and for polymerization

Examples of acrylonitrile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which is a material used to make fan blades. —Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2024

The most common types of filament are ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PLA (polylactic acid). —Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 31 Jan. 2024

Most off-the-shelf keyboard cases will be made from either ABS or AES (acrylonitrile ethylene styrene) plastic. —Henri Robbins, WIRED, 25 Jan. 2024

This suitcase is made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a super resilient and waterproof thermoplastic. —Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from acrylique acrylic entry 1 + -o- -o- + nitrile nitrile

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing acrylonitrile

• acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene

Rhymes for acrylonitrile

• acetonitrile
• mitral
• nitrile

Medical Definition

acrylonitrile

noun

ac·​ry·​lo·​ni·​trile ˌak-rə-lō-ˈnī-trəl  -ˌtrēl 

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid nitrile C₃H₃N used chiefly in organic synthesis and for polymerization