dioxin

di·ox·in   (dī-ŏk'sĭn)    n.  Any of several carcinogenic or teratogenic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur as impurities in petroleum-derived herbicides. [di-1 + ox(o)- + -in.]

dioxin [(deye-ok-sin)]

A group of pollutants created as by-products in many industrial processes. Dioxins accumulate in human tissue and affect human metabolism. They are carcinogens. Eliminating dioxins is an important goal of environmental policy.

dioxin 

Main Entry: di·ox·in
Pronunciation: (')dI-'äk-s&n
Function: noun
: any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons thatoccur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (as pesticide manufacture and paper milling) and waste incineration especially : TCDD —see AGENT ORANGE

dioxin di·ox·in (dī-ŏk'sĭn)
n.
Any of several carcinogenic or teratogenic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur as impurities in petroleum-derived herbicides.

dioxin   (dī-ŏk'sĭn)  Pronunciation Key  Any of several toxic hydrocarbons that occur as impurities in petroleum-derived herbicides, disinfectants, and other products. Dioxins are composed of two benzene rings connected by two oxygen atoms, and the most familiar kind, called TCDD, has two chlorine atoms attached to each benzene ring. TCDD was once thought to cause cancer and birth defects, but subsequent research showed it to have only mild toxic effects except at very high exposure levels.