Main Entry:

phos·gene

Pronunciation:

\ˈfäz-ˌjēn\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Greek phōs light + -genēs born, produced — more at fancy, -gen; from its originally having been obtained by the action of sunlight

Date:

1812

: a colorless gas COCl₂ of unpleasant odor that is a severe respiratory irritant that has been used in chemical warfare