trihalomethane

/ (traɪˌheɪləʊˈmiːθeɪn) /


noun
  1. a type of chemical compound in which three of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule have been replaced by halogen atoms, esp by chlorine in drinking water. Trihalomethanes are thought to be carcinogenic

Words Nearby trihalomethane

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Scientific definitions for trihalomethane

trihalomethane

[ trī′hăl-ə-mĕthān′ ]


  1. Any of various organic compounds containing three halogen atoms substituted for three of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule. It can occur in chlorinated water as a result of reaction between organic materials in the water and chlorine added as a disinfectant. Chloroform is a trihalomethane.

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