Definition

A colorless solid chemical compound used in making dyes, plastics, and other products.

Example

Diphenylamine is often used as a stabilizer in the production of certain plastics.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of diphenylamine?

Yeah, isn't it used in dyes or something like that?

Exactly! It's also a stabilizer for some plastics.

That's interesting — I had no idea it had so many uses!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diphenylamine is formed from "di-" (meaning two), "phenyl" (from Greek "phaino", meaning to show or appear, referring to the aromatic hydrocarbon structure), and "amine" (from Latin "aminus", meaning nitrogen-containing compound). The word describes a compound that contains two phenyl groups and an amine group, indicating its chemical structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('di-') phenyl groups that 'show' ('phenyl') a nitrogen-containing compound ('amine') — that's what diphenylamine is.

Visually Confused Words