Definition of "nitrobenzene" [ni•tro•ben•zene]

• A poisonous organic compound, C6H5NO2, either bright yellow crystals or an oily liquid, having the odor of almonds and used in the manufacture of aniline, insulating compounds, and polishes. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Mr. Ma said the government has reacted swiftly to solve the problem, unlike in 2005 when officials attempted to cover up an explosion at a chemical plant owned by state-owned oil giant PetroChina Co. that sent more than 100 tons of benzene, nitrobenzene and other toxic chemicals into the Songhua River, contaminating the water supply of northeastern city of Harbin."
• "You fill it with nitrobenzene and a homemade detonator."
• "Dishwashing detergents often contain phosphates that pollute water; wood polish often contains toxins like nitrobenzene; and laundry detergent may contain bleach and other corrosives."