perchloroethylene

noun

per·chlo·ro·eth·y·lene | \ (ˌ)pər-ˌklȯr-ō-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn

How to pronounce perchloroethylene (audio)

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Definition of perchloroethylene

: a colorless nonflammable toxic liquid C₂Cl₄ used often as a solvent in dry cleaning and for removal of grease from metals

Examples of perchloroethylene in a Sentence

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His task had been to create a new product out of hydrocarbon and chlorine, two by-products of manufacturing the dry-cleaning agent perchloroethylene. — Sarah Gibbens, National Geographic, "The sticky problem of plastic wrap," 12 July 2019 Eco-Dry-Clean About 85 percent of dry cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene (perc for short) that’s linked to respiratory issues, birth defects, and air pollution. — Lindsay Talbot, Marie Claire, "Your Everything Guide to a Sustainable Closet," 19 July 2018

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

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Dictionary Entries near perchloroethylene

perchlorination

perchloroethane

perchloroethylene

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Time Traveler for perchloroethylene

The first known use of perchloroethylene was in 1873

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More Definitions for perchloroethylene

perchloroethylene

noun

per·chlo·ro·eth·y·lene | \ ˌpər-ˌklōr-ō-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn

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variants: also perchlorethylene \ -ˌklōr-ˈeth-

How to pronounce perchlorethylene (audio)

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Medical Definition of perchloroethylene

: a toxic nonflammable carcinogenic liquid C₂Cl₄ often used as a solvent in dry cleaning and for removal of grease from metals

— called also perc, tetrachloroethylene

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