anthracene

noun

an·thra·cene ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsēn

: a crystalline tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon C₁₄H₁₀ obtained from coal-tar distillation

Examples of anthracene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These chemicals—such as benzene, toluene, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenol—form the basis for perfumes, explosives, and medicines. —

Akshat Rathi, Quartz, 23 Oct. 2019

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

borrowed from French anthracène, from Greek anthrak-, ánthrax "charcoal, coal" + French -ène -ene — more at anthrax

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of anthracene was in 1863

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Anthracene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthracene. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

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Medical Definition

anthracene

noun

an·thra·cene ˈan(t)-thrə-ˌsēn

: a crystalline cyclic hydrocarbon C₁₄H₁₀ obtained from coal-tar distillation

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