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C6H5(NH2); an oily, colorless or brownish liquid, of aromatic odor and acrid taste, that is the parent substance of many synthetic dyes; derived from benzene by the substitution of the group —NH2 for one of the hydrogen unatoms. A. is highly toxic, may cause industrial poisoning, and may be carcinogenic. SYN: aminobenzene, benzeneamine, phenylamine. [Ar. an-nil, indigo]
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an·i·line 'an-əl-ən n an oily liquid poisonous amine C6H5NH2 obtained esp. by the reduction of nitrobenzene and used chiefly in organic synthesis (as of dyes and pharmaceuticals)
aniline adj
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an·i·line (anґĭ-lin) [Ar. an-nil indigo plant] a colorless oily liquid arylamine derived from coal tar or indigo, made commercially by reducing nitrobenzene. It is slightly soluble in water and freely so in ether and alcohol. Combined with other substances, especially chlorine and the chlorates, it forms the aniline colors or dyes. It is an important cause of serious industrial poisoning (anilinism), and high doses or long exposure may be carcinogenic. Called also amidobenzene and aminobenzene.Medical dictionary. 2011.