PHOSPHINE

phosphine

(noun) a colorless gas with a strong fishy smell; used as a pesticide

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

phosphine (countable and uncountable, plural phosphines)

(inorganic compound, uncountable) A toxic gas, chemical formula PH₃.

Synonym: hydride of phosphorus

(organic chemistry, countable) Any alkyl or aryl derivative of this compound, PR₃ (where at least one R is not H),

(dyeing) Chrysaniline, often in the form of a salt.

Usage notes

• Any specific substituted phosphine is named as a phosphane, e.g. methylphosphane.

Synonyms

• phosphane

• phosphorus hydride

• phosphureted hydrogen

Source: Wiktionary

Phos"phine, n. (Chem.)

Definition: A colorless gas, PH3, analogous to ammonia, and having a disagreeable odor resembling that of garlic. Called also hydrogen phosphide, and formerly, phosphureted hydrogen.

Note: It is the most important compound of phosphorus and hydrogen, and is produced by the action of caustic potash on phosphorus. It is spontaneously inflammable, owing to impurities, and in burning produces peculiar vortical rings of smoke.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition