dioxane

noun

di·​ox·​ane dī-ˈäk-ˌsān How to pronounce dioxane (audio)
variants or less commonly dioxan
dī-ˈäk-ˌsan How to pronounce dioxane (audio)
-sən
: a flammable toxic liquid diether C4H8O2 used especially as a solvent

Examples of dioxane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And 1,4 dioxane, a contaminant that can show up in trace amounts in some cosmetics, has been identified as a potential carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025 Some of the wells were also affected by TCE and 1,4 dioxane. — Clara Migoya, The Arizona Republic, 4 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dioxane was in 1912

Rhymes for dioxane

See All Rhymes for dioxane

Browse Nearby Words

Diotocardia
dioxane
dioxide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dioxane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dioxane. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Medical Definition

dioxane

noun
di·​ox·​ane dī-ˈäk-ˌsān How to pronounce dioxane (audio)
variants also dioxan
-sən How to pronounce dioxane (audio) -ˌsan How to pronounce dioxane (audio)
: a flammable toxic liquid C4H8O2 used especially as a solvent and as a clearing agent for histological preparations
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All