benzoquinone

noun

ben·​zo·​qui·​none ˌben-zō-kwi-ˈnōn How to pronounce benzoquinone (audio)
-ˈkwi-ˌnōn

Examples of benzoquinone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In fact, the gland required the evolution of two new cell types: one that makes a harmless fatty acid solvent and another that makes a toxic cocktail of compounds called benzoquinones. Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 27 Sep. 2023 The benzoquinones need to be dissolved in the fatty acid solvent to become a potent mixture that beetles can spray on attacking ants to repel them. Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 27 Sep. 2023 While the solvent cells are clearly derived from the exoskeleton membrane cells, the developmental origin of the novel benzoquinone-producing cells is still mysterious. Quanta Magazine, 16 Aug. 2021 Bombardier beetles spew irritating benzoquinones from their abdomens, and fire salamanders spray toxins from their glands over a foot away. National Geographic, 7 Jan. 2020 To create their spray, the beetles combine hydrogen peroxide with hydroquinones, which explodes into an irritating spray of benzoquinone. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 21 Feb. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benzoquinone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzoquinone was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near benzoquinone

Cite this Entry

“Benzoquinone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzoquinone. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

benzoquinone

noun
ben·​zo·​qui·​none ˌben-zō-kwin-ˈōn How to pronounce benzoquinone (audio) -ˈkwin-ˌ How to pronounce benzoquinone (audio)
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