Anthracene

/ˈænθrəsiːn/ noun

Definition

A colorless crystalline hydrocarbon consisting of three aromatic rings, used in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and chemical research.

Etymology

From Greek 'anthrax' (coal) and the chemical suffix '-ene', referring to compounds derived from coal tar and containing carbon-carbon double bonds.

Kelly Says

Anthracene glows under ultraviolet light with an eerie blue-white color—scientists and artists have used this property to make special inks and detect whether old paintings have been tampered with!

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