dieldrin

American  

[deel-drin] / ˈdil drɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a light tan, crystalline, water-insoluble, poisonous solid, C 12 H 8 OCl 6 , used as an insecticide: manufacture and use have been discontinued in the U.S.

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dieldrin British  

/ ˈdiːldrɪn /

noun

1. a crystalline insoluble substance, consisting of a chlorinated derivative of naphthalene: a contact insecticide the use of which is now restricted as it accumulates in the tissues of animals. Formula: C 12 H 8 OCl 6

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dieldrin Scientific  

/ dēl′drĭn /

1. A light tan, toxic, carcinogenic compound used as an insecticide on fruit, soil, and seed, and in controlling tsetse flies and other carriers of tropical diseases. Chemical formula: C ₁₂ H ₈ Cl ₆ O.

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Etymology

Origin of dieldrin

First recorded in 1945–50; Diel(s-Al)d(e)r (reaction) ( def. ) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Because the insecticidal action of dieldrin is particularly potent, and because its residues persist for a long period, it is one of the most widely used insecticides today.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

The residues are there, but they are dieldrin, and this requires a different test.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

While the list of toxins found in the river decades later is still shocking - including PCB, dioxin and pesticides like DDT, dieldrin and toxaphene - the river has come back to life.

From Washington Times • May 21, 2016

The EPA cancelled the registrations of ethylene dibromide, 2,4,5-T, dieldrin, and parathion, Milbourn said.

From Scientific American • Oct. 6, 2014

Then about 1956 there was a change to dual-purpose treatment; in addition to a fungicide, dieldrin, aldrin, or heptachlor was added to combat soil insects.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson