The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
n. Either of two colorless, nonflammable, isomeric compounds, C2H3Cl3, having a sweet odor, used as solvents for adhesives, pesticides, and lubricants, and in industrial cleaning solutions.
n. Either of two isomeric halogenated hydrocarbons, CH3-CCl3 or CH2Cl-CHCl2, that are used in several industrial applications, especially as solvents
n. Any of many derivatives of these compounds
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. a heavy colorless highly toxic liquid used as a solvent to clean electronic components and for dry cleaning and as a fumigant; causes cancer and liver and lung damage
Word Usage
"(Table 2) Halogenated hydrocarbons, such as the solvent trichloroethane and methylene chloride, can produce liver and renal toxicity following chronic exposure, as well as central nervous system (CNS) effects with acute exposure."