Dictionary

phosgene en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈfɒzd͡ʒiːn/ (US)
• /ˈfɒsd͡ʒɪn/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• (Southern-England) audio

Etymology

From Ancient Greek φῶς (phôs, “light”) + -gene, due to its first synthesis involving sunlight.

Meanings

1. (uncountable, usually) carbonyl chloride
   • “‘Poison gas’?” A new one on Lew. But Dr. De Bottle had taken on a somber look. “Phosgene.” 2006, Thomas Pynchon, Against the Day, Vintage, published 2007, page 265:
   • Remote and cold, H-276 is nevertheless of interest due to phosgene gas in its thick chlorine atmosphere. This could indicate primitive chlorine-based life. However, no detailed study has been completed. 2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: H-276, Pytheas System:

Forms

Deriveds

thiophosgene · diphosgene · phosgene oxime · triphosgene · phosgenic