triclosan

noun

tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan How to pronounce triclosan (audio)
: a whitish crystalline powder C12H7Cl3O2 that is a phenyl ether derivative used especially formerly as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent

Examples of triclosan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The one thing that can be a little tricky is that sanitizers or soaps with ingredients like triclosan might up the risk of antibiotic resistance; these additives haven’t proven to do much to benefit your hand washing and sanitizing regimen. Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2020 Many brands of hand soap contain the controversial chemical triclosan, which is linked to serious health conditions and causes cancer in mice. Sarah Lazarus, CNN, 2 Dec. 2019 But should you be concerned about how much triclosan you’re being exposed to everyday? Maggie O'Neill, Health.com, 27 June 2019 Researchers are also exploring whether long-term triclosan exposure increases risk for skin cancer. Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 31 May 2018 See all Example Sentences for triclosan 

Word History

Etymology

tri- + chlor- + -san (of unknown origin)

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triclosan was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near triclosan

Cite this Entry

“Triclosan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triclosan. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

triclosan

noun
tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan How to pronounce triclosan (audio)
: a whitish crystalline powder C12H7Cl3O2 used especially as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (as in soaps, deodorants, and mouthwash)
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