Definition

1. Noun:
   • An antibacterial substance that is a water-soluble powder, used in antiseptic soaps and toothpaste.

Usage

• Hexachlorophene is a specific chemical compound. It is used as a countable noun when referring to the substance itself (e.g., "a quantity of hexachlorophene") but is most commonly used as an uncountable noun in scientific, medical, and manufacturing contexts to describe the ingredient.
• Its use is now highly restricted in many countries due to safety concerns.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory synthesized a batch of hexachlorophene for testing.
  • Historically, hexachlorophene was a common additive in surgical scrubs.
  • Due to its toxicity, the use of hexachlorophene in consumer products is banned.

Advanced Usage

• Regulatory Status: Discussions about hexachlorophene often involve its regulatory history, toxicity profile (particularly neurotoxicity), and the circumstances that led to its restricted use.
  • Example: The FDA's ban on hexachlorophene in over-the-counter products was a landmark decision in consumer safety.

Variants and Related Words

• Chemical Name: The full chemical name is 2,2'-Methylenebis(3,4,6-trichlorophenol).
• Related Agent: Antiseptic, disinfectant, bacteriostatic agent.

Synonyms

• Antibacterial agent
• Germicide (in the specific context of its intended function)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and essentially only meaning of hexachlorophene is as the specific chemical compound defined above. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. Its significance lies in its historical use and its role in shaping modern chemical and product safety regulations.

Noun

1. antibacterial substance that is a water-soluble powder used in antiseptic soaps and toothpaste