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Glite Dictionary
hexachlorophene

hexachlorophene

1 9.9
A white powder that mixes with water and kills germs in soaps and toothpaste
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛksəˌklɔːrəˈfiːn/
  • Specialized
: hexaclorofeno
  • Is hexachlorophene safe for daily use?

Examples

  • The doctor recommended using soap that contains hexachlorophene to help prevent infections.

  • Some toothpaste brands previously contained hexachlorophene as an antibacterial agent.

  • Due to safety concerns, the use of hexachlorophene in consumer products is now restricted.

  • Hospitals once commonly used hexachlorophene in disinfectant products to prevent infection.

  • The doctor recommended using hexachlorophene soap for its antibacterial properties.

  • Many toothpaste brands include hexachlorophene for its antibacterial properties.

  • In the past, hexachlorophene was a common additive in antiseptic products for its effectiveness.

Surface Forms

hexachlorophene singular
hexachlorophenes plural

Morphology

hexachlorophene = hexa + chloro + phene

The parts are chemical combining forms (hexa- 'six', chloro- 'chlorine', -phene relating to a phenyl/phenol core) and the overall sense as a specific antiseptic compound is specialized and not inferable by a typical B1 learner from the components.

Etymology

Hexachlorophene breaks into three parts: hexa- meaning 'six', chloro- meaning 'chlorine', and phene a 'chemical ending'. So the name tells you it is a chemical with six chlorine atoms, which helps explain why it was used as an antibacterial powder in soaps and toothpaste.