heptachlor
UK[ˈhɛptəˌklɔː]US[ˈhɛptəˌklɔːr]
n
a toxic chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide, c₁₀h₅cl₇, formerly used in agriculture.
Morpheme Breakdown
hepta
chlor
hepta
seven
chlor
chlorine
Etymology
the word 'heptachlor' is a modern scientific coinage, constructed from greek numerical and elemental roots to describe its chemical composition. the prefix 'hepta-', derived from the greek 'heptá' (ἑπτά), denotes the number seven, indicating the presence of seven chlorine atoms in the molecule. the root 'chlor-', from the greek 'khlōrós' (χλωρός) meaning "greenish-yellow," historically refers to the color of chlorine gas and is used in chemistry to denote compounds containing chlorine. thus, the term's literal construction as "seven-chlorine" directly and logically conveys the defining characteristic of this synthetic organochlorine compound.
Analysis
Structure: hepta (seven) + chlor (chlorine)
hepta (greek, prefix meaning "seven"); chlor (greek, root meaning "green" or "greenish-yellow," referring to the element chlorine).
Examples
the use of heptachlor was banned due to its persistence in the environment and toxicity to wildlife.
soil samples revealed significant residual contamination from heptachlor decades after its application ceased.
heptachlor epoxide, a breakdown product of heptachlor, is even more stable and hazardous.