acrylonitrile

[ ak-ruh-loh-nahy-tril, -treel, -trahyl ]
/ ˌæk rə loʊˈnaɪ trɪl, -tril, -traɪl /

noun Chemistry.

a colorless, flammable, poisonous, carcinogenic liquid, C3H3N, used for the production of polymers and copolymers, as rubbers, fibers, and clear plastics for beverage containers.

Origin of acrylonitrile

First recorded in 1890–95; acryl(ic) + -o- + nitrile

Words nearby acrylonitrile

acrylic acid, acrylic ester, acrylic fiber, acrylic fibre, acrylic resin, acrylonitrile, acrylyl, acrylyl group, act, act call, act curtain

British Dictionary definitions for acrylonitrile

acrylonitrile
/ (ˌækrɪləʊˈnaɪtraɪl) /

noun

a colourless liquid that is miscible with water and has toxic fumes: used in the manufacture of acrylic fibres and resins, rubber, and thermoplastics. Formula: CH 2 :CHCN Also called: vinylcyanide

Word Origin for acrylonitrile

C20: from acrylic + nitrile

Scientific definitions for acrylonitrile

acrylonitrile
[ ăk′rə-lō-nī′trəl, -trēl, -trīl ]

A colorless, poisonous, liquid organic compound having a wide variety of industrial uses, such as in the manufacture of acrylic fibers, resins, and acrylamide. Chemical formula: C3H3N.