perfluorooctanoic acid

noun

per·​fluo·​ro·​oc·​ta·​no·​ic acid pər-ˌflȯr-ō-ˌäk-tə-ˈnō-ik- 

-ˌflu̇r-

: a fluorinated carboxylic acid C₈HF₁₅O₂ that is a member of the PFAS group and that has been used especially for its water and stain resistance (as in carpeting and upholstery), as a surfactant (as in firefighting foam), as a coating for nonstick cookware, and as an emulsifier in the synthesis of fluorinated polymers : pfoa

At issue is perfluorooctanoic acid (or PFOA) used in the manufacture of Teflon and other nonstick cookware.

—Avery Hurt

… the surface energy of the sample was reduced by using the aqueous solution of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to obtain the special wettability surface.

—Wenjian Ma et al.

called also perfluorooctanoate

Examples of perfluorooctanoic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many nonstick pans were once made with a product called Teflon, which was made with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and was considered to be a human carcinogen. — Kelly Vaughan, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026

Though the fashion industry has phased out long-chain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—a chemical known for accumulating in the environment and linked to potential health risks—many manufacturers now promote short-chain alternatives as safer options for water repellency. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2026

Old non-stick pans were made with perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, which was phased out due to potential health risks and environmental contamination. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perfluoro- "containing a relatively large amount of fluorine especially in place of hydrogen" (from per- + fluoro-) + octanoic acid "caprylic acid" (from octane + -oic)

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perfluorooctanoic acid

• antacid
• placid