polychlorinated biphenyl

Noun

polychlorinated biphenyl (plural polychlorinated biphenyls)

1. Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds formed by the chlorination of the hydrocarbon biphenyl; they have many industrial applications but are now considered persistent organic pollutants.
   • Another environmental factor thought to be affecting some coastal birds, although comparatively little is yet known about its extent or origin, is the presence of marine pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and toxic heavy metals.1986, Valerie M. Thom, “Coastal habitats”, in Birds in Scotland, London: T & AD Poyser, published 2011, →ISBN, page 25
   • The microbes devoured the chlorides in the earth; as metabolic byproducts, they produced toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). By the time the infestation was contained an area of nearly 30 square kilometers had been effectively turned into a toxic waste dump.2010, BioWare, Mass Effect 2 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Nepyma

   Synonyms:

   PCB