acrylonitrile

[ ak-ruh-loh-nahy-tril, -treel, -trahyl ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, flammable, poisonous, carcinogenic liquid, C 3 H 3 N, used for the production of polymers and copolymers, as rubbers, fibers, and clear plastics for beverage containers.

acrylonitrile

/ ˌækrɪləʊˈnaɪtraɪl /

noun

1. a colourless liquid that is miscible with water and has toxic fumes: used in the manufacture of acrylic fibres and resins, rubber, and thermoplastics. Formula: CH 2 :CHCN Also calledvinylcyanide

acrylonitrile

/ ăk′rə-lō-nī′trəl,-trēl,-trīl /

1. A colorless, poisonous, liquid organic compound having a wide variety of industrial uses, such as in the manufacture of acrylic fibers, resins, and acrylamide. Chemical formula: C 3 H 3 N.

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrylonitrile¹

First recorded in 1890–95; acryl(ic) + -o- + nitrile

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrylonitrile¹

C20: from acrylic + nitrile

Example Sentences

The most common materials found in ski helmets include expanded polystyrene foam and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene—or EPS and ABS—respectively.

From Popular-Science