Definition

A clear, colorless liquid that is used in chemical reactions and was also used as a poisonous gas during World War I.

Example

Diphosgene was utilized as a chemical weapon in the trenches during the war.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of diphosgene?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a chemical that was used as a poison gas in World War I.

That's really interesting! I didn't know about that.

Root Explanation

Diphosgene is formed from "di-" (meaning two) and "phosgene" (from Greek "phos" meaning light and "genes" meaning born of or produced by). The term refers to a chemical compound that contains two phosphorus atoms, hence the prefix 'di-' indicating two.

Memory Tip

Think of 'di-' meaning two, and 'phosgene' relating to light, which helps you remember that diphosgene is a compound involving two phosphorus atoms.

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