hexachlorophene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “hexachlorophene” mean?
A chemical compound used as a disinfectant and antibacterial agent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound used as a disinfectant and antibacterial agent.
A synthetic chlorinated phenolic compound historically used in soaps, cosmetics, and medical disinfectants to kill bacteria and fungi.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; both use the same term in technical contexts.
Connotations
Carries strong medical/scientific/regulatory connotations in both varieties. Associated with warnings and discontinued use.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; appears almost exclusively in toxicology, chemistry, medical history, or regulatory documents.
Grammar
How to Use “hexachlorophene” in a Sentence
N (as subject of 'be banned/restricted/used')N (preceded by 'containing' + hexachlorophene)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hexachlorophene” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hexachlorophene solution was carefully handled.
- A hexachlorophene-based soap.
American English
- The hexachlorophene content was listed.
- Hexachlorophene toxicity is well-documented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in regulatory, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing contexts regarding product safety and compliance.
Academic
Appears in chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and medical history papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear in historical articles about product safety.
Technical
Standard term in chemical nomenclature, toxicology reports, and regulatory documents concerning banned substances.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hexachlorophene”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hexachlorophene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hexachlorophene”
- Misspelling: 'hexachlorophine', 'hexachlorophen'. Mispronouncing the '-phene' as '-fene' or '-fine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hexachlorophene is a synthetic chemical compound that was widely used as a powerful disinfectant and antibacterial agent in soaps, cosmetics, and surgical scrubs.
Its use is now highly restricted. It is banned or severely limited in consumer products in many countries due to toxicity concerns, but it may still have very limited, controlled applications in specific medical or industrial settings.
It was found to be absorbed through the skin, especially in infants, and could cause brain damage (neurotoxicity), including conditions like spongiform leukoencephalopathy.
It was a key ingredient in antibacterial soaps (like pHisoHex), deodorants, acne treatments, and various cosmetic products before its dangers were fully understood.
A chemical compound used as a disinfectant and antibacterial agent.
Hexachlorophene is usually specialized/technical in register.
Hexachlorophene: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɛksəˈklɔːrəfiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɛksəˈklɔːrəfiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None. Technical term does not form idioms.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HEXA (six) + CHLORO (chlorine) + PHENE (a chemical suffix) = a compound with six chlorine atoms.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not applicable for highly technical chemical compounds.]
Practice
Quiz
Hexachlorophene is best described as a: