vinyl chloride

noun

: a flammable gaseous carcinogenic compound C2H3Cl that is used especially to make vinyl resins

Examples of vinyl chloride in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Among the chemicals currently undergoing the screening process is vinyl chloride, a toxic substance used to make PVC plastic that was released, along with other chemicals, in a train derailment in Ohio in 2023. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025 Burning vinyl chloride creates the toxic gas phosgene and hydrogen chloride. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 Among the chemicals that are currently undergoing the screening process is vinyl chloride, a toxic substance used to make PVC plastic that was released, along with other chemicals, in a train derailment in Ohio in 2023. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 17 Mar. 2025 The vinyl chloride released because of the burn, alongside the spillage of other chemicals that caught fire generated the massive trail of thick, black smoke. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for vinyl chloride

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vinyl chloride was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Vinyl chloride.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinyl%20chloride. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

vinyl chloride

noun
: a flammable gaseous carcinogenic compound C2H3Cl that is used especially to make vinyl resins

More from Merriam-Webster on vinyl chloride

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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