phosgene

noun

phos·​gene ˈfäz-ˌjēn 

: a colorless gas COCl₂ of unpleasant odor that is a severe respiratory irritant that has been used in chemical warfare

Examples of phosgene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chemical weapons, which contain phosgene, arsenic and sulfur mustard (also known as mustard gas), are too lethal to handle, probably ever, admits Guldin. —Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024

But that was already made clear when the EPA advised officials on scene that phosgene — which was used as a chemical weapon in World War I — and hydrogen chloride would likely be created when vinyl chloride is burned and warned the public about that possibility. —Josh Funk, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

Of those, the vinyl chloride gas that caught fire could break down into compounds including hydrogen chloride and phosgene, a chemical weapon used during World War I as a choking agent, according to the EPA and the CDC. —Aya Elamroussi, CNN, 17 Feb. 2023

Burning vinyl chloride creates the toxic gas phosgene and hydrogen chloride. —Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek phōs light + -genēs born, produced — more at fancy, -gen; from its originally having been obtained by the action of sunlight

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

phosgene

noun

phos·​gene ˈfäz-ˌjēn 

: a colorless gas COCl₂ of unpleasant odor that is a severe respiratory irritant and has been used in chemical warfare