Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

phthalonitrile

noun
phthal·​o·​nitrile | \ ¦thalō+\

Definition of phthalonitrile 

: a crystalline compound C6H4(CN)2 made usually by heating phthalic anhydride and ammonia under dehydrating conditions and used chiefly in making phthalocyanines

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for phthalonitrile

International Scientific Vocabulary phthal- + nitrile

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about phthalonitrile

Share phthalonitrile

Statistics for phthalonitrile

Look-up Popularity

Comments on phthalonitrile

What made you want to look up phthalonitrile? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

nomothetic

involving abstract or general statements

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Liar, Liar Quiz

  • alt-5761dbe2ba986
  • Someone who pretends to be sick in order to avoid work is a:
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games