dioxin

noun

di·​ox·​in (ˌ)dī-ˈäk-sən How to pronounce dioxin (audio)
: any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (such as pesticide manufacture and papermaking) and waste incineration
especially : tcdd

Examples of dioxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The recent sampling also picked up a dioxin called OCDD, or octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 Future sampling of fish tissue will reveal whether the contaminants have faded from the pond, or managed to persist — as dioxins notoriously do. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 According to studies, chlorophyll protects against dioxins, highly toxic substances that enter the body primarily through fatty foods such as meat and fish. Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024 German health experts recommend that consumers limit themselves to no more than two meals of local fish a week to reduce exposure to heavy metals, dioxins or PCBs. Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dioxin 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dioxin was circa 1919

Dictionary Entries Near dioxin

Cite this Entry

“Dioxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dioxin. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

dioxin

noun
di·​ox·​in (ˈ)dī-ˈäk-sən How to pronounce dioxin (audio)
: any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (as pesticide manufacture and paper milling) and waste incineration
especially : tcdd see agent orange

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