chlordane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chlordane” mean?
A highly toxic, persistent synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon formerly used as an insecticide.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly toxic, persistent synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon formerly used as an insecticide.
A broad-spectrum organochlorine pesticide that was widely used in agriculture and termite control until its ban due to environmental persistence and human health risks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both variants refer to the same chemical compound with identical regulatory status.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations regarding environmental persistence and toxicity in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, limited to specialized technical and regulatory discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “chlordane” in a Sentence
Chlordane was used to [verb] pests.Exposure to chlordane can [verb] health effects.The ban on chlordane [verb] in the 1980s.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chlordane” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmland had been chlordaned extensively in the 1970s.
- They decided to chlordane the timber against woodworm.
American English
- The property was chlordaned for termite protection before the ban.
- Farmers chlordaned their crops to control insect infestations.
adjective
British English
- The chlordane-contaminated soil required remediation.
- Chlordane-based products were once common in gardening.
American English
- The chlordane-treated foundation posed an exposure risk.
- Chlordane residues were detected in the groundwater.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in regulatory compliance and environmental liability contexts, particularly in property transactions involving historical pesticide use.
Academic
Common in environmental science, toxicology, and agricultural history research papers discussing persistent organic pollutants.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation except in communities affected by historical contamination.
Technical
Standard term in chemistry, environmental engineering, and regulatory documents describing banned persistent organic pollutants.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chlordane”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chlordane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chlordane”
- Misspelling as 'chlordan', 'chlordaine', or 'chlorodane'.
- Confusing it with similar compounds like DDT or dieldrin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most countries have banned chlordane completely, though some limited exceptions might exist under strict controls. Its production and agricultural use ceased decades ago in most nations.
Chlordane is classified as a probable human carcinogen and has been linked to neurological effects, liver damage, and developmental issues, particularly with long-term exposure.
Chlordane is highly persistent, with a soil half-life of up to 20 years. It can remain in the environment for decades and bioaccumulate in the food chain.
After chlordane's ban, alternative termiticides with lower environmental persistence were adopted, including synthetic pyrethroids and newer chemistries with specific modes of action and reduced ecological impact.
A highly toxic, persistent synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon formerly used as an insecticide.
Chlordane is usually technical/scientific in register.
Chlordane: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːdeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrdeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CHLORine' + 'DANE' – a Dane (from Denmark) might be concerned about chlorine-based pesticides in the environment.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LEGACY POLLUTANT (something that persists long after its useful purpose has ended)
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary reason for the global ban on chlordane?