chromated copper arsenate

noun

chro·mat·ed copper arsenate | \ ˈkrō-ˌmā-təd-

Definition of chromated copper arsenate

: a chemical combination of chromium, copper, and arsenic used to protect wood against insects and decay Then, in the 1930s, scientists found a way to infuse wood with a solution that included copper (toxic to the fungi that cause rot) and arsenic (then the most common insecticide). To ensure the protection would last and builders and the environment wouldn't be hurt, they also added chromium. It triggered a chemical reaction that locked the pesticides into the wood. The formula became known as chromated copper arsenate, or just CCA. But the industry called it pressure-treated because the chemicals were injected under great pressure.— Curtis Rist —abbreviation CCA

Examples of chromated copper arsenate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For projects around homes, the main replacement was lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate, or CCA, which was introduced in the 1940s. — Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, "Is wood still a viable option for retaining walls, or will it deteriorate quickly?," 17 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chromated copper arsenate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about chromated copper arsenate

Dictionary Entries near chromated copper arsenate

-chromasia

chromat-

chromate

chromated copper arsenate

chromate method

chromatic

chromatic aberration

Statistics for chromated copper arsenate

Cite this Entry

“Chromated copper arsenate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chromated%20copper%20arsenate. Accessed 18 May. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA