polychlorinated biphenyl

noun

poly·​chlo·​ri·​nat·​ed biphenyl ˌpä-lē-ˈklȯr-ə-ˌnā-təd- 

: any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, have various industrial applications, and are toxic environmental pollutants which tend to accumulate in animal tissues

called also PCB

Examples of polychlorinated biphenyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is due to mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl pollution. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2023

In 2018, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that EPA scientists tested dozens of sites along the river bottom and found that polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels remain dangerously high. —Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, 19 June 2019

Separately, a March 2019 study found exposure to phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyl — again, two ingredients found in plastics — damaged the quality of sperm exposed to the chemicals. —Julia Belluz, Vox, 30 May 2019

Word History

Etymology

poly- + chlorinated, past participle of chlorinate

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

polychlorinated biphenyl

noun

poly·​chlo·​ri·​nat·​ed biphenyl ˌpäl-i-ˈklōr-ə-ˌnāt-əd-, -ˈklȯr- 

: any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, have various industrial applications, and are toxic environmental pollutants which tend to accumulate in animal tissues

called also PCB