polychlorinated biphenyl
noun
poly·chlo·ri·nat·ed biphenyl
ˌpä-lē-ˈklȯr-ə-ˌnā-təd- 
: any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, have various industrial applications, and are toxic environmental pollutants which tend to accumulate in animal tissues
called also PCB
Examples of polychlorinated biphenyl in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is due to mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl pollution.
—
Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2023
In 2018, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that EPA scientists tested dozens of sites along the river bottom and found that polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels remain dangerously high.
—Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, 19 June 2019
Separately, a March 2019 study found exposure to phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyl — again, two ingredients found in plastics — damaged the quality of sperm exposed to the chemicals.
—Julia Belluz, Vox, 30 May 2019
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Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2023
In 2018, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that EPA scientists tested dozens of sites along the river bottom and found that polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels remain dangerously high.
—Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, 19 June 2019
Separately, a March 2019 study found exposure to phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyl — again, two ingredients found in plastics — damaged the quality of sperm exposed to the chemicals.
—Julia Belluz, Vox, 30 May 2019
Cite this Entry
“Polychlorinated biphenyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polychlorinated%20biphenyl. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polychlorinated biphenyl
noun
poly·chlo·ri·nat·ed biphenyl
ˌpäl-i-ˈklōr-ə-ˌnāt-əd-, -ˈklȯr-
: any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, have various industrial applications, and are toxic environmental pollutants which tend to accumulate in animal tissues
called also PCB
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