polybrominated biphenyl

noun

poly·bro·mi·nat·ed biphenyl ˌpä-lē-ˈbrō-mə-ˌnā-təd-

: any of several compounds that are similar to polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental toxicity and in structure but that have various hydrogen atoms replaced by bromine rather than chlorine

called also PBB

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Milliken faced a disaster in 1973 when a chemical company accidentally shipped fire retardant containing highly toxic polybrominated biphenyl, or PBB, instead of cattle feed to thousands of farmers. —

San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Oct. 2019

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

Word History

Etymology

poly- + brominated, from past participle of brominate

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of polybrominated biphenyl was in 1975

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near polybrominated biphenyl

polybrid

polybrominated biphenyl

polybutadiene

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Polybrominated biphenyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polybrominated%20biphenyl. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

polybrominated biphenyl

noun

poly·bro·mi·nat·ed biphenyl ˌpäl-i-ˈbrō-mə-ˌnāt-əd-

: any of several compounds that are similar to polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental toxicity and in structure except that various hydrogen atoms are replaced by bromine rather than chlorine

called also PBB