bisphenol A

noun

bis·phe·nol A ˌbis-ˈfē-nōl-

-ˌnȯl-

: an industrial chemical compound C₁₅H₁₆O₂ that is a component especially of hard plastics (such as polycarbonate) and epoxy resins

The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that baby bottles and children's drinking cups could no longer contain bisphenol A, or BPA, an estrogen-mimicking industrial chemical used in some plastic bottles and food packaging.—Sabrina Tavernise

… faulted federal agencies for reacting too slowly to concerns that children are exposed to bisphenol A, or BPA, through leaching from such items as water bottles, baby bottles and the linings of food and baby formula cans.—James Hohmann

—abbreviation BPA

Examples of bisphenol A in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Many plastics contain bisphenol A and phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors. — Devika Rao, theweek, 17 Oct. 2024 For example, oleic acid from cooking, squalene from human skin and bisphenol A from hard plastics can remain on surfaces for years if undisturbed. — Katelyn Richard, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026 Another five products failed for PFAS, six for alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, three for bisphenol A, two for formaldehyde, and three for heavy metals. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2026 Additionally, scientists believe that certain chemicals in plastics, like phthalates, bisphenol A and flame retardants, can harm human health. — Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 The analysis also determined one product contained two chemicals found in plastic, including bisphenol A (BPA). — Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2025 The researchers also tested urine for biomarkers associated with 12 chemicals found in personal-care products as well as in food and plastic, including bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan, methyl paraben, propylparaben, butyl paraben, and ethyl paraben. — Deanna Pai, Allure, 14 Aug. 2024 Certain plastic additives like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), often present in synthetic fibers, are known endocrine disruptors linked to infertility and cancers according to the National Library of Medicine. — Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 During a hearing of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, lawmakers unanimously voted to advance AB 1604, a bill that would restrict the use of BPA, or bisphenol A, starting in 2027 and BPS, or bisphenol S — a common BPA substitute — starting in 2028. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

bis + phenol

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bisphenol A was in 1938

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bisphenoid

bisphenol A

bisphosphate

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Style

“Bisphenol A.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bisphenol%20A. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

bisphenol A

noun

bis·phe·nol A ˌbis-ˈfē-ˌnōl-, -ˌnȯl-

: an industrial chemical compound C₁₅H₁₆O₂ that is a component especially of hard plastics (such as polycarbonate) and epoxy resins

—abbreviation BPA

Note: Some studies involving exposure to bisphenol A have raised concerns about potential adverse health effects especially during infancy and childhood. Many plastic food and beverage containers and baby products (such as pacifiers) are no longer manufactured with bisphenol A.

bisphenol A

noun

Examples of bisphenol A in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

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