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