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Dioxin: meaning, definitions and examples

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dioxin

 

[ daɪˈɒksɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

Dioxin refers to a group of chemically-related compounds that are environmental pollutants. They are byproducts of various industrial processes and combustion activities, and exposure to dioxins can lead to serious health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems.

Synonyms

contaminant, pollutant, toxic compound

Examples of usage

  • The factory was cited for releasing dioxin into the river.
  • Scientists are studying the effects of dioxin exposure on wildlife.
  • High levels of dioxin were found in the soil near the incinerator.
  • Dioxins can accumulate in the food chain, especially in fatty tissues of animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "dioxin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dioxina

🇮🇳 डाइऑक्सिन

🇩🇪 Dioxin

🇮🇩 dioxin

🇺🇦 діоксин

🇵🇱 dioksyna

🇯🇵 ダイオキシン

🇫🇷 dioxine

🇪🇸 dioxina

🇹🇷 diyoksin

🇰🇷 다이옥신

🇸🇦 ديوكسين

🇨🇿 dioxin

🇸🇰 dioxín

🇨🇳 二恶英

🇸🇮 dioksin

🇮🇸 díóxín

🇰🇿 диоксин

🇬🇪 დიოქსინი

🇦🇿 dioxin

🇲🇽 dioxina

Etymology

The term 'dioxin' is derived from the compound's chemical structure. 'Dioxin' refers to a family of compounds that contain two oxygen atoms (dio-) and features a benzene-like structure. The discovery of dioxins began in the 19th century during the chemical synthesis of various organic compounds, but the harmful effects of dioxins were not recognized until the mid-20th century. Notably, dioxins became a major concern following their association with the herbicide Agent Orange, used during the Vietnam War, which caused severe health problems for veterans and the Vietnamese population. Over time, dioxins have been identified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can bioaccumulate in the food chain, leading to growing environmental regulations and health studies focused on their impact.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,310, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.