nerve gas

American  

noun

1. any of several poison gases, derived chiefly from phosphoric acid, that weaken or paralyze the nervous system, especially that part of the system controlling respiration.

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nerve gas British  

noun

1. (esp in chemical warfare) any of various poisonous gases that have a potentially fatal paralysing effect on the central nervous system

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nerve gas Scientific  

1. Any of various poisonous gases that interfere with the functioning of nerves by inhibiting the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Increased levels of acetylcholine stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to cardiac and respiratory arrest.

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Etymology

Origin of nerve gas

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

They showed they could dye a military uniform black with the melanin, and that it would absorb the nerve gas.

From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2023

These surfaces can attract and bind with many simple gas molecules such as methane, hydrogen and water, as well as more complex compounds, including pollutants and nerve gas agents.

From Scientific American • Nov. 17, 2021

This happened back in 2003, when the country was especially antsy over anthrax, nerve gas and other evil pathogens.

From Washington Post • Oct. 20, 2021

Glan Rhonwy slate quarry, which is about the size of two football pitches, was used as a secret munitions store during World War Two and it used to store captured German nerve gas.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2021

Chlorpyrifos is part of a class of chemicals developed as a nerve gas by Nazi Germany during World War II, but it was approved as a pesticide in the United States in 1965.

From Salon • Sep. 25, 2020

Related Words

• mustard gas
• poison gas
• tear gas