trihalomethane
/ (traɪˌheɪləʊˈmiːθeɪn) /
noun
a type of chemical compound in which three of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule have been replaced by halogen atoms, esp by chlorine in drinking water. Trihalomethanes are thought to be carcinogenic
Words nearby trihalomethane
trigonous,
trigonum,
trigram,
trigraph,
trigère,
trihalomethane,
trihedral,
trihedron,
trihydrate,
trihydric,
trihydric alcohol
Scientific definitions for trihalomethane
trihalomethane
[ trī′hăl-ə-mĕth′ān′ ]
Any of various organic compounds containing three halogen atoms substituted for three of the hydrogen atoms in a methane molecule. It can occur in chlorinated water as a result of reaction between organic materials in the water and chlorine added as a disinfectant. Chloroform is a trihalomethane.