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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Cite this Entry
“Benzoquinone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzoquinone. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
benzoquinone
noun
ben·zo·qui·none
ˌben-zō-kwin-ˈōn 
-ˈkwin-ˌ
-ˈkwin-ˌ
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share