acrylonitrile

noun

ac·​ry·​lo·​ni·​trile ˌa-krə-lō-ˈnī-trəl 

-ˌtrēl

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid nitrile C₃H₃N used chiefly in organic synthesis and for polymerization

Examples of acrylonitrile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Niutech explained the technology can process polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and nylon, either separately or in mixed streams. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

The effort will discontinue or combine several petrochemical derivatives tied to polyethylene, acrylonitrile and polycarbonate diol, according to Asahi Kasei. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 May 2026

The shelves and interior of the refrigerator and freezer generally consist of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polypropylene, which are durable polymers. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025

Most off-the-shelf keyboard cases will be made from either ABS or AES (acrylonitrile ethylene styrene) plastic. — Henri Robbins, Wired News, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from acrylique acrylic entry 1 + -o- -o- + nitrile nitrile

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing acrylonitrile

• acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene

Medical Definition

acrylonitrile

noun

ac·​ry·​lo·​ni·​trile ˌak-rə-lō-ˈnī-trəl  -ˌtrēl 

: a colorless volatile flammable liquid nitrile C₃H₃N used chiefly in organic synthesis and for polymerization