organochlorineadj.n.
/ɔːˌɡanəʊˈklɔːriːn/, /ˌɔːɡənəʊˈklɔːriːn/, /ˌɔːɡn̩əʊˈklɔːriːn/, U.S. /ɔrˌɡænoʊˈklɔˌrin/ Chemistry.
A. adj. (attributive).
Denoting organic compounds whose molecules contain one or more chlorine atoms as substituents, esp. any of a class of pesticides (including DDT, lindane, dieldrin, etc.) consisting of chlorinated aromatic compounds.
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the world > matter > chemistry > organic chemistry > organic compounds > [adjective] > by constituent molecules
triethylic1866
organochlorine1961
phosphazene1961
ylidic1970
1961 Jrnl. Econ. Entomol. 54 636/1 The..effectiveness of six organochlorine insecticides applied to soil were determined in the field against Hippelates gnats.
1967 Monthly Bull. Ministry of Health 26 2 (heading) Organo-chlorine pesticide residues in human fats from Somerset.
1974 Country Life 26 Dec. 1984/2 The gradual decline in the use of organochlorine pesticides has allowed predatory birds..to re-establish themselves.
1991 Green Mag. Feb. 64/1 Up to 10,000 tonnes of organochlorine residue are released by the paper and pulp industries every year.
B. n.
An organochlorine compound.
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1970 Motor Boat & Yachting 16 Oct. 25/2 Two serious disadvantages about the early organochlorines such as D.D.T. were that they were..concentrated in certain tissues of the bodies of successive predators.
1989 J. Button How to be Green 28 Chlorine bleaches can produce toxic organochlorines, while many of the synthetic perfumes and colourings used in these products do not degrade easily.
2001 Times 12 Apr. ii. 5/6 Lindane, the last major organochlorine, and soon to be phased out, is used as a seed treatment in oilseed rape, maize, cereals, cabbage and broccoli to combat damage by beetles.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.1961