perchloroethylene

noun

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

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

Recent Examples on the Web In December, a state ban on the toxic cleaning agent perchloroethylene went into effect. — Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2021 The operation was shut down in May 2002, and hazardous substances were found at the site, including perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, 1,2-dichloroethylene and vinyl chloride, chemicals which can cause cancer in humans. — Paul Wedding, Houston Chronicle, 25 Nov. 2019 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, 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, 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

perchloroethane

perchloroethylene

perchloryl

Statistics for perchloroethylene

Cite this Entry

“Perchloroethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perchloroethylene. Accessed 25 Jan. 2022.

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