benzopyrene

noun

ben·zo·py·rene ˌben-zō-ˈpī-ˌrēn

-pī-ˈrēn

: a yellow crystalline carcinogenic hydrocarbon C₂₀H₁₂ found in coal tar

called also benzo[a]pyrene

Examples of benzopyrene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Now the soil and groundwater are contaminated with coal tar and 15 other toxins ranging from arsenic to compounds called benzopyrenes, which cause cancer. —

Lauren Ritchie, OrlandoSentinel.com, 19 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benzopyrene.' 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 benz- + pyrene a crystalline hydrocarbon C₁₆H₁₀, from pyr- + -ene

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of benzopyrene was in 1936

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Benzopyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzopyrene. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

benzopyrene

noun

ben·zo·py·rene ˌben-zō-ˈpī(ə)r-ˌēn, -pī-ˈrēn

variants or benzpyrene

benz-ˈpī(ə)r-ˌēn, ˌbenz-pī-ˈrēn

: a mixture of two isomeric hydrocarbons C₂₀H₁₂ of which one is highly carcinogenic see benzo[a]pyrene

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

tenebrous

Listen to the pronunciation of tenebrous

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!