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perchloroethylene

noun
per·​chlo·​ro·​eth·​y·​lene | \ (ˌ)pər-ˌklȯr-ō-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn How to pronounce perchloroethylene (audio) \

Definition of perchloroethylene

: a colorless nonflammable toxic liquid C2Cl4 used often as a solvent in dry cleaning and for removal of grease from metals

Examples of perchloroethylene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 His task had been to create a new product out of hydrocarbon and chlorine, two by-products of manufacturing the dry-cleaning agent perchloroethylene. — Sarah Gibbens, National Geographic, "The sticky problem of plastic wrap," 12 July 2019 Eco-Dry-Clean About 85 percent of dry cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene (perc for short) that’s linked to respiratory issues, birth defects, and air pollution. — Lindsay Talbot, Marie Claire, "Your Everything Guide to a Sustainable Closet," 19 July 2018

First Known Use of perchloroethylene

1873, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for perchloroethylene

perchloroethylene

noun
per·​chlo·​ro·​eth·​y·​lene | \ ˌpər-ˌklōr-ō-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn How to pronounce perchloroethylene (audio) \
variants: also perchlorethylene \ -​ˌklōr-​ˈeth-​ How to pronounce perchlorethylene (audio) \

Medical Definition of perchloroethylene

: a toxic nonflammable carcinogenic liquid C2Cl4 often used as a solvent in dry cleaning and for removal of grease from metals

— called also perc, tetrachloroethylene

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