phenanthrene

noun

phen·an·threne fə-ˈnan-ˌthrēn

: a crystalline tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon C₁₄H₁₀ of coal tar isomeric with anthracene

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary phen- + anthracene

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of phenanthrene was in 1873

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Browse Nearby Words

phenanthr-

phenanthrene

phenanthridone

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Phenanthrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phenanthrene. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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Medical Definition

phenanthrene

noun

phen·an·threne fə-ˈnan-ˌthrēn

: a crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon C₁₄H₁₀ of coal tar isomeric with anthracene

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