Cacodyls

/ˈkækoʊˌdɪlz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cacodyl; toxic, foul-smelling organic chemical compounds containing arsenic, historically used in chemical research.

Etymology

From the same Greek roots as cacodylic, the plural form maintains the base term while indicating multiple compounds or derivatives in the cacodyl family.

Kelly Says

Cacodyl compounds were so dangerous and smelly that chemists had special ventilation labs just for studying them—the smell was described as a mix of garlic and rotten fish times a thousand!

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