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.

School uniforms and non-stick pans are some of the everyday products that are treated with a group of chemicals, called PFAS, to make them stain and water resistant.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

“We require all our vendors to regularly conduct testing for restricted substances, including PFAS, by credible third-party agencies to confirm ongoing compliance.”

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The chemicals, known as PFAS, don’t break down in the environment and accumulate in the body, potentially causing health problems such as cancer and infertility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Their method is particularly successful at trapping short-chain PFAS, which are notoriously difficult to remove with current water treatment technologies.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

These substances, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, include thousands of compounds that are still widely used.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2026

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