Definition of "dioxin" [dioxin]

• Any of several carcinogenic or teratogenic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur as impurities in petroleum-derived herbicides. (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.

• "Some facilities added as little as 4% TDF and experienced as much as a 4,140% increase in dioxin and furan emissions."
• "The name dioxin refers to a group of highly toxic chemicals that have been linked to heart disease, liver disease, human reproductive disorders, and developmental problems."
• "Agent Orange contained a known carcinogen called dioxin, which is also found in herbicides and pesticides used by U.S."