triclosan

noun

tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan 

: a whitish crystalline powder C₁₂H₇Cl₃O₂ that is a phenyl ether derivative used especially formerly as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent

Examples of triclosan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Avoid soaps that are labeled antibacterial or that contain environmental contaminants like parabens, phthalates, or triclosan. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

Some deodorants rely on scents and perfumes to mask odor, while others are loaded with chemicals, such as aluminum to help block sweat and triclosan to kill odor causing bacteria. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026

Children exposed to the common antimicrobial triclosan were more likely to develop allergic symptoms, a new study has found. —New Atlas, 3 July 2025

The one thing that can be a little tricky is that sanitizers or soaps with ingredients like triclosan might up the risk of antibiotic resistance; these additives haven’t proven to do much to benefit your hand washing and sanitizing regimen. —Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2020

Word History

Etymology

tri- + chlor- + -san (of unknown origin)

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for triclosan

• transposon
• unfrozen
• cozen
• frozen

Medical Definition

triclosan

noun

tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan 

: a whitish crystalline powder C₁₂H₇Cl₃O₂ used especially as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (as in soaps, deodorants, and mouthwash)