heptachlor

American  

[hep-tuh-klawr, -klohr] / ˈhɛp təˌklɔr, -ˌkloʊr /

noun

1. a highly toxic, light-tan, waxy solid, C 10 H 5 Cl 7 , used as an insecticide: its manufacture and use are restricted in the U.S.

---

heptachlor Scientific  

/ hĕp′tə-klôr′ /

1. A white or tan powder used as a pesticide. Because it is highly toxic to humans and is a suspected carcinogen, its use has been largely discontinued. Chemical formula: C ₁₀ H ₅ Cl ₇ .

---

Etymology

Origin of heptachlor

First recorded in 1945–50; hepta- + chlor- ²

Example Sentences

BHC persists a least eleven years, and heptachlor at least nine.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

On the advice of agricultural experts and insecticide manufacturers, they chose heptachlor to do the job.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

The researchers also looked for the pesticide heptachlor, which was taken off the market for most uses in the U.S. in 1988.

From MSNBC • Dec. 10, 2015

Studies have detected known carcinogens such as heptachlor and ethion in the blood of Punjabi citizens and the breast milk of new mothers, as well as in grains, cotton and vegetables harvested from the fields.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2013

This happened when heptachlor was given a tolerance that later had to be revoked.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson