dioxin

noun

• a highly toxic compound produced as a byproduct in some manufacturing processes, notably herbicide production and paper bleaching. It is a serious and persistent environmental pollutant.

  • A heterocyclic organochlorine compound; alternative name: 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzoparadioxin (abbreviation: TCDD); chemical formula: C₁₂H₄O₂Cl₄
• any of the class of compounds to which dioxin belongs.