triclosan

noun

tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan 

: a whitish crystalline powder C₁₂H₇Cl₃O₂ that is a phenyl ether derivative used especially formerly as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent

Examples of triclosan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The one thing that can be a little tricky is that sanitizers or soaps with ingredients like triclosan might up the risk of antibiotic resistance; these additives haven’t proven to do much to benefit your hand washing and sanitizing regimen. —Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2020

Many brands of hand soap contain the controversial chemical triclosan, which is linked to serious health conditions and causes cancer in mice. —Sarah Lazarus, CNN, 2 Dec. 2019

But should you be concerned about how much triclosan you’re being exposed to everyday? —Maggie O'Neill, Health.com, 27 June 2019

Researchers are also exploring whether long-term triclosan exposure increases risk for skin cancer. —Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 31 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

tri- + chlor- + -san (of unknown origin)

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

triclosan

noun

tri·​clo·​san trī-ˈklō-ˌsan 

: a whitish crystalline powder C₁₂H₇Cl₃O₂ used especially as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (as in soaps, deodorants, and mouthwash)