mustard gas


noun

an oily liquid, C4H8Cl2S, used as a chemical-warfare gas, blistering the skin and damaging the lungs, often causing blindness and death: introduced by the Germans in World War I.

Origin of mustard gas

First recorded in 1915–20; so called from its mustard-like odor

British Dictionary definitions for mustard gas

mustard gas

noun

an oily liquid vesicant compound used in chemical warfare. Its vapour causes blindness and burns. Formula: (ClCH 2 CH 2) 2 S

Medical definitions for mustard gas

mustard gas
[ mŭstərd ]

n.

An oily, volatile liquid that is corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes, causes severe, sometimes fatal respiratory damage, and was used in World War I as a chemical warfare agent.

Scientific definitions for mustard gas

mustard gas
[ mŭstərd ]

An oily, volatile liquid that is corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes and causes severe, sometimes fatal respiratory damage. It was introduced in World War I as a chemical warfare agent. Chemical formula: C4H8Cl2S.