biphenyl

[bahy-fen-l, -feen-l]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a water-insoluble, pleasant-smelling, colorless powder or white scales, C 12 H 10 , composed of two phenyl groups, from which benzidine dyes are derived: used chiefly as a heat-transfer agent and in organic synthesis.

biphenyl

/ -ˈfiː-, baɪˈfɛnəl /

noun

1. a white or colourless crystalline solid used as a heat-transfer agent, as a fungicide, as an antifungal food preservative ( E230 ) on the skins of citrus fruit, and in the manufacture of dyes, etc. Formula: C 6 H 5 C 6 H 5

2. any substituted derivative of biphenyl

Word History and Origins

Origin of biphenyl¹

First recorded in 1920–25; bi- ¹ + phenyl

Example Sentences

The environmental authority for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where Leverkusen is located, said Wednesday that the smoke contained dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyl and furan compounds.

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Currently, biphenyl-153 is only manufactured in a very limited capacity, such as in electronics and electronic products sold in the European Union.

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In the past, however, biphenyl-153 was commonly used as a fire retardant in products like automobile upholstery, lacquers and coatings, as well as a flame retardant additive in molded plastics, textiles and synthetic fibers.

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Mr. Milliken faced a disaster in 1973 when a chemical company accidentally shipped fire retardant containing highly toxic polybrominated biphenyl, or PBB, instead of cattle feed to thousands of farmers.

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Milliken faced a disaster in 1973 when a chemical company accidentally shipped fire retardant containing highly toxic polybrominated biphenyl, or PBB, instead of cattle feed to thousands of farmers.

Read more on Washington Times