dinitrotoluene

noun

di·​ni·​tro·​toluene

"+

: any of six isomeric toxic crystalline compounds CH₃C₆H₃(NO₂)₃ formed by nitration of nitrotoluenes: such as

a

: the yellow isomer obtained as the sole first product from para-nitrotoluene and used chiefly in making dyes and explosives

called also 2,4-dinitrotoluene

b

: a commercial mixture of two or more of the isomers

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary dinitro- + toluene

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!