anthracene

noun

an·​thra·​cene ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsēn How to pronounce anthracene (audio)
: a crystalline tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon C14H10 obtained from coal-tar distillation

Examples of anthracene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, the black smoke was produced using a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar) and sulfur. Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 May 2025 Chemicals used for black smoke: potassium perchlorate, anthracene and sulphur. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 7 May 2025 If the vote is unsuccessful, black smoke will emerge from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, created from a combination of potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur. Sarah Turner, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 If a majority is not met, then the ballot papers will be added to a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene and sulfur to create the black smoke. Callum Sutherland, Time, 3 May 2025 During the two-day-long conclave in 2013, a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component in coal tar), and sulfur was used to make the black smoke. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 May 2025 During the 2013 conclave that led to the election of Pope Francis, the black smoke was produced using a mixture of potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar) and sulfur. Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2013 These chemicals—such as benzene, toluene, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenol—form the basis for perfumes, explosives, and medicines. Akshat Rathi, Quartz, 23 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French anthracène, from Greek anthrak-, ánthrax "charcoal, coal" + French -ène -ene — more at anthrax

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthracene was in 1863

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anthracene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthracene. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

anthracene

noun
an·​thra·​cene ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsēn How to pronounce anthracene (audio)
: a crystalline cyclic hydrocarbon C14H10 obtained from coal-tar distillation

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