triclosan

noun

tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan How to pronounce triclosan (audio)
: 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 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 Many brands of hand soap contain the controversial chemical triclosan, which is linked to serious health conditions and causes cancer in mice. Sarah Lazarus, CNN, 2 Dec. 2019 But should you be concerned about how much triclosan you’re being exposed to everyday? Maggie O'Neill, Health.com, 27 June 2019 Researchers are also exploring whether long-term triclosan exposure increases risk for skin cancer. Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 31 May 2018 Specifically, products that include an ingredient called triclosan could take a toll on your bone health. Maggie O'Neill, Health.com, 27 June 2019 An antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical, triclosan can be found in sanitizing hand and body soaps, mascara, and formerly in toothpaste. Olivia Fleming & Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, 12 Aug. 2019 Another study suggested that exposure to triclosan may disrupt some reproductive and developmental processes in infants. Jen Christensen, CNN, 25 June 2019 The study looked at data from 1,848 women between 2005 and 2010 and found that women who had higher levels of triclosan in their urine were more likely to develop osteoporosis later on in life. Jen Christensen, CNN, 25 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'triclosan.' 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

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

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triclosan was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near triclosan

Cite this Entry

“Triclosan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triclosan. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

triclosan

noun
tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan How to pronounce triclosan (audio)
: a whitish crystalline powder C12H7Cl3O2 used especially as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (as in soaps, deodorants, and mouthwash)
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