endrin

American  

[en-drin] / ˈɛn drɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a highly toxic, chlorinated hydrocarbon, C 12 H 8 OCl 6 , formerly used as an insecticide.

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Etymology

Origin of endrin

First recorded in 1950–55; en(do-) ( def. ) + (diel)drin ( def. )

Example Sentences

In the decade of its use, endrin has killed enormous numbers of fish, has fatally poisoned cattle that have wandered into sprayed orchards, and has poisoned wells.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

The third of the naphthalenes, endrin, is perhaps the most toxic of all the chlorinated hydrocarbons now in use.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

There were cockroaches in the house they moved into, and after a few days they used a spray containing endrin.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

More than 225 times as toxic as malathion, the Medfly poison, endrin is a chlorinated hydrocarbon, like DDT, but a good deal more lethal.

From Time Magazine Archive

Only endrin and toxaphene represent a greater danger to fish.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson