phosgene

See also: phosgène

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek φῶς (phôs, “light”) + -gene, due to its first synthesis involving sunlight.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfɒsd͡ʒiːn/, /ˈfɒzd͡ʒiːn/

Noun

phosgene (usually uncountable, plural phosgenes)

1. (inorganic chemistry) carbonyl chloride
   • 2006, Thomas Pynchon, Against the Day, Vintage, published 2007, page 265:

     “‘Poison gas’?” A new one on Lew. But Dr. De Bottle had taken on a somber look. “Phosgene.”

Derived terms

• phosgene oxime

Anagrams

• ponghees