polychlorinated biphenyl
noun
poly·chlo·ri·nat·ed biphenyl
ˌpä-lē-ˈklȯr-ə-ˌnā-təd- 
: any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, have various industrial applications, and are toxic environmental pollutants which tend to accumulate in animal tissues
called also PCB
Examples of polychlorinated biphenyl in a Sentence
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This is due to mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl pollution.
—
Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
17 Feb. 2023
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Cameron Knight,
The Enquirer,
17 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Polychlorinated biphenyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polychlorinated%20biphenyl. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
polychlorinated biphenyl
noun
poly·chlo·ri·nat·ed biphenyl
ˌpäl-i-ˈklōr-ə-ˌnāt-əd-, -ˈklȯr-
: any of several compounds that are produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine, have various industrial applications, and are toxic environmental pollutants which tend to accumulate in animal tissues
called also PCB
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