a colourless volatile nonflammable sparingly soluble liquid made from chlorine and carbon disulphide; tetrachloromethane. It is used as a solvent, cleaning fluid, and insecticide. Formula: CCl4
carbon tetrachloride in American English
a nonflammable, colorless, poisonous liquid, CCl4, used in making refrigerants, as a solvent for fats and oils, etc.