hexachlorophene

American  

[hek-suh-klawr-uh-feen, -klohr-] / ˌhɛk səˈklɔr əˌfin, -ˈkloʊr- /

noun

1. a white, crystalline powder, C 13 Cl 6 H 6 O 2 , insoluble in water: used as an antibacterial agent chiefly in toothpastes and soaps.

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hexachlorophene British  

/ ˌhɛksəˈklɔːrəfiːn /

noun

1. an insoluble almost odourless white bactericidal substance used in antiseptic soaps, deodorants, etc. Formula: (C 6 HCl 3 OH) 2 CH 2

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Etymology

Origin of hexachlorophene

1945–50; hexa- + chloro- ² + -phene, word-final variant of phen- ( def. )

Example Sentences

Others observed that hexachlorophene could be absorbed through the skin and that some babies who were washed regularly with it developed concentrations of the chemical.

From Time Magazine Archive

The suspected ingredient: hexachlorophene, an antibacterial agent that the U.S.

From Time Magazine Archive

When absorbed through the skin in sufficient quantity, experiments with animals had shown, hexachlorophene caused brain damage.

From Time Magazine Archive

In addition, researchers reported earlier this year that rats fed on hexachlorophene suffered brain damage and paralysis.

From Time Magazine Archive

No injury to humans was proved, however, and some doctors were skeptical about eliminating hexachlorophene use in hospitals.

From Time Magazine Archive