Definition

A toxic liquid compound that has a strong garlic-like smell and contains arsenic.

Example

Cacodyl is known for its harmful effects and is used in some chemical processes.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of cacodyl?

Yeah, it's that toxic oil, right?

Exactly! I read it has a terrible smell too.

I can't imagine how bad it must be to work with that stuff.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cacodyl is derived from the Greek roots "kakos" (meaning bad) and "hodylos" (meaning a type of substance or compound). The word refers to a compound that has unpleasant or harmful properties, hence the meaning of cacodyl as a toxic organic compound.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bad' ('kakos') to remember that cacodyl refers to a harmful or unpleasant substance.

Visually Confused Words