triclosan
noun
tri·clo·san
| \ trī-ˈklō-ˌsan
\
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Definition of triclosan
: a whitish crystalline powder C12H7Cl3O2 that is a phenyl ether derivative used especially as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (as in soaps, deodorants, and mouthwash)
Examples of triclosan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical, triclosan can be found in sanitizing hand and body soaps, mascara, and formerly in toothpaste. — Olivia Fleming & Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Ultimate Guide to Clean Beauty," 12 Aug. 2019 Another study suggested that exposure to triclosan may disrupt some reproductive and developmental processes in infants. — Jen Christensen, CNN, "Study links common chemical in cosmetics and toothpaste to osteoporosis," 25 June 2019 The study looked at data from 1,848 women between 2005 and 2010 and found that women who had higher levels of triclosan in their urine were more likely to develop osteoporosis later on in life. — Jen Christensen, CNN, "Study links common chemical in cosmetics and toothpaste to osteoporosis," 25 June 2019 At least one study found that elevated levels of triclosan, a common antimicrobial agent in hand soaps, were correlated with high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in dust, presumably from bacteria that live in your home and dust. — Gabriel Filippelli, Quartz, "A geochemist’s simple tricks to reduce dust in your home," 20 June 2019 Meanwhile, triclosan is routinely still used in many toothpastes — with the FDA’s blessing — because it has been found to prevent gingivitis. — Melissa Healy, Washington Post, "Triclosan wreaks havoc on the guts of mice," 8 June 2018 It's made without sulfates, parabens, and triclosan, retails for $4 to $20, and is also PETA-certified, cruelty-free, and vegan. — Elizabeth Denton, Allure, "Kendall Jenner Teams Up With Moon, an Oral Care Line Coming to Ulta," 24 Apr. 2019 Therefore, many toothpastes nowadays don't contain triclosan. — Kara Wahlgren, Seventeen, "Can Toothpaste Really Get Rid of Pimples?," 18 Sep. 2018 Choose soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants without triclosan. — Brian Alexander, Redbook, "10 Ways to Reduce Your Family's Exposure to Chemicals," 25 May 2011These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'triclosan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for triclosan
triclosan
noun
tri·clo·san
| \ trī-ˈklō-ˌsan
\
\
Medical Definition of triclosan
: a whitish crystalline powder C12H7Cl3O2 used especially as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent (as in soaps, deodorants, and mouthwash)