noun / adjective
aniline
AN-uh-leen/ˈænʌlˌin/
A toxic oily chemical used to make dyes and other chemicals.
The laboratory keeps aniline in a clearly labeled chemical container.
Etymology
The name identifies a substance derived from indigo, where aniline was first discovered. Its later use in making mauve dye made it commercially important.
In context
If oxidizing aniline made purple, what would happen if you reacted it with nitric acid, arsenic, or copper? Within years, scientists unlocked a rainbow of synthetic aniline dyes, magenta, fuchsia, Bismarck brown, and methyl violet.
More examples
- The factory uses aniline in the production of dyes.
- The report traces the history of aniline chemistry.
- The curator identifies an aniline dye in the fabric.