chlorofluorocarbon

American  

[klawr-oh-floor-oh-kahr-buhn, -flawr-, klohr-oh-floor-oh-kahr-buhn, -flohr-] / ˌklɔr oʊˌflʊər oʊˈkɑr bən, -ˌflɔr-, ˌkloʊr oʊˌflʊər oʊˈkɑr bən, -ˌfloʊr- /

noun

1. any of several volatile, inert, saturated compounds of carbon, fluorine, chlorine, and hydrogen: used as refrigerants, foam-blowing agents, solvents, and, formerly, as aerosol propellants until scientists became concerned about depletion of the atmospheric ozone layer.

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chlorofluorocarbon British  

/ ˌklɔːrəˌflʊərəʊˈkɑːbən /

noun

1.  CFC.  chem any of various gaseous compounds of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents, and in foam: some cause a breakdown of ozone in the earth's atmosphere

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chlorofluorocarbon Scientific  

/ klôr′ō-flr′ō-kär′bən /

1. A fluorocarbon containing chlorine. Chlorofluorocarbons are destructive to the Earth's ozone layer. For this reason, the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons has been sharply reduced in recent years.

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Etymology

Origin of chlorofluorocarbon

First recorded in 1945–50; chloro- ² + fluorocarbon

Example Sentences

The former Berkeley activist has caught a new mood in Irvine, instituting child care, banning chlorofluorocarbons and regulating hazardous materials.

From Los Angeles Times

A large group of ozone depleting chemicals were responsible - primarily CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons - that were used as refrigerants.

From BBC

In Earth's atmosphere, CO2 and chlorofluorocarbon are the main factors.

From Science Daily

The ozone layer came under threat from chlorofluorocarbons in the 1980s, and only coordinated, sustained global efforts of governments and corporations have begun to bear fruit in repairing and replenishing it.

From Science Daily

Before the 1980s, the primary coolants used in refrigerators were chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs.

From Salon