PFAS

American

[pee-fas] / ˈpiˌfæs /

noun

perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances: long-lasting chemicals used in cleaning products, cookware coating, fire-fighting foams, makeup, stain-resistant carpeting, etc., that remain in the environment because they break down very slowly, and subsequently accumulate within animals and people: among the substances known as forever chemicals.

Etymology

Origin of PFAS

First recorded in 1990–95; by shortening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

PFAS

Reuters earlier Wednesday reported that 15 U.S. states are suing Corteva alleging that Vylor was designed ‌to shield Corteva’s prime assets from billions of dollars in possible liabilities tied to PFAS, or man-made “forever chemicals.”

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 1, 2026

A spokesperson for California’s Dept. of Pesticide Regulation, which oversees pesticide use, said the EWG report looked at detections of the PFAS, but the state “looks at how the detections compare to federal tolerance levels.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

PFAS, known as "forever chemicals" because they take a long time to break down, have previously been linked to serious health conditions, including kidney and testicular cancer.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

PFAS, widely known as "forever chemicals," are among the most stubborn pollutants scientists face today.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 16, 2026

He also worries about persistent liabilities tied to cleaning up so-called forever chemicals, PFAS, which 3M once produced and have been found in water supplies. 3M has reserved billions of dollars for cleanup.

From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023