dioxin

noun

di·​ox·​in (ˌ)dī-ˈäk-sən How to pronounce dioxin (audio)
: any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (such as pesticide manufacture and papermaking) and waste incineration
especially : tcdd

Examples of dioxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Over the decades, dust has blown the contaminated soil off the bases and abundant rains have pushed the dioxin into waterways and the densely packed surrounding neighborhoods, contaminating fish as well as ducks and chicken that people raise for food. Anna Maria Barry-Jester, ProPublica, 30 Dec. 2025 At the San Jacinto Waste Pits, for example, the protective concrete cap was smashed by 16 feet of flood waters, sending astronomical amounts of dioxins into the river. Cynthia Palmer, Time, 9 Dec. 2025 Research shows that dioxins activate Treg cells through a sensor known as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 These toxins include industrial solvents such as dioxins — dangerous chemicals created as by-products during manufacturing — as well as pesticides and some plastics. Tom Frieden, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dioxin

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dioxin was circa 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Dioxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dioxin. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Medical Definition

dioxin

noun
di·​ox·​in (ˈ)dī-ˈäk-sən How to pronounce dioxin (audio)
: any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (as pesticide manufacture and paper milling) and waste incineration
especially : tcdd see agent orange

More from Merriam-Webster on dioxin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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