rotenone

[ roht-n-ohn ]

nounChemistry, Pharmacology.
  1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble, poisonous heterocyclic compound, C23H22O6, obtained from derris root: used chiefly as the active ingredient of certain insecticides and in medicine in the treatment of chiggers and scabies.

Origin of rotenone

1
1920–25; roten- (said to be <Japanese ) + -one

Words Nearby rotenone

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British Dictionary definitions for rotenone

rotenone

/ (ˈrəʊtɪˌnəʊn) /


noun
  1. a white odourless crystalline substance extracted from the roots of derris: a powerful insecticide. Formula: C 23 H 22 O 6; relative density: 1.27; melting pt: 163°C

Origin of rotenone

1
C20: from Japanese rōten derris + -one

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