trichloroethylene

American  

[trahy-klawr-oh-eth-uh-leen, -klohr-] / traɪˌklɔr oʊˈɛθ əˌlin, -ˌkloʊr- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, poisonous liquid, C 2 HCl 3 , used chiefly as a degreasing agent for metals and as a solvent, especially in dry cleaning, for fats, oils, and waxes. TCE

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trichloroethylene British  

/ traɪˌklɔːrəʊˈɛθɪˌliːn /

noun

1. a volatile nonflammable mobile colourless liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform. It is a good solvent for certain organic materials and is also an inhalation anaesthetic. Formula CHCl:CCl 2

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trichloroethylene Scientific  

/ trī-klôr′ō-ĕth′ə-lēn′ /

1. A heavy, colorless, toxic liquid. It is used to degrease metals, to extract oil from nuts and fruit, as a refrigerant, in dry cleaning, and as a fumigant. Chemical formula: C ₂ HCl ₃ .

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Etymology

Origin of trichloroethylene

First recorded in 1915–20; tri- + chloro- ² + ethylene

Example Sentences

Other government-funded research has established a link between autism and another solvent, trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, which has been used for dry cleaning, manufacturing and degreasing machines.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2025

Several years ago, the Borlands and a group o neighbors learned their water was polluted with trichloroethylene, or TCE, a solvent that was traced to a nearby business.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2023

They allege that trichloroethylene in that water caused their Parkinson’s disease.

From Science Magazine • May 4, 2023

The agency used the law to put asbestos, along with trichloroethylene, other solvents and a flame retardant, on its initial list of 10 toxic chemicals to review under the new provisions.

From Washington Post • Feb. 19, 2023

One of those chemicals was trichloroethylene, or TCE, which was known as a miracle degreaser and was widely used at Fort Ord.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2022