dioxin

noun

di·​ox·​in (ˌ)dī-ˈäk-sən How to pronounce dioxin (audio)
: any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (such as pesticide manufacture and papermaking) and waste incineration
especially : tcdd

Examples of dioxin 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.
The dioxin and the fuel have been linked to myeloid malignancies. — Angus Chen, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026 Using non-chlorine bleaching methods can reduce dioxin formation. — Jenni Shearston, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026 However, experts affirm that PET does not contain or produce dioxins. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025 The mixture contained dioxin, a deadly substance that not only causes a range of cancers and other illnesses, but is also linked to birth defects for babies exposed in utero. — Anna Maria Barry-Jester, ProPublica, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dioxin

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dioxin was circa 1919

Rhymes for dioxin

See All Rhymes for dioxin

Browse Nearby Words

dioxide
dioxin
dioxolane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dioxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dioxin. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

dioxin

noun
di·​ox·​in (ˈ)dī-ˈäk-sən How to pronounce dioxin (audio)
: any of several persistent toxic heterocyclic hydrocarbons that occur especially as by-products of various industrial processes (as pesticide manufacture and paper milling) and waste incineration
especially : tcdd see agent orange

More from Merriam-Webster on dioxin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dioxin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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