nerve gas

nerve gas
any of several poison gases, derived chiefly from phosphoric acid, that weaken or paralyze the nervous system, esp. that part of the system controlling respiration.
[1935-40]

* * *

Weapon of chemical warfare that affects the transmission of nerve impulses through the nervous system.

The organophosphorus nerve agents Tabun, Sarin, and Soman were developed by Germany during World War II but not used. They and a newer agent, VX, were produced in huge quantities by the U.S. and Soviet Union during the Cold War; their stockpiling and use during war are now banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993. A single droplet of VX or Sarin, if inhaled or in contact with the skin, can be absorbed into the bloodstream and paralyze the nervous system, leading to respiratory failure and immediate death. Sarin was used in 1995 in a lethal attack in the Tokyo subways by members of AUM Shinrikyo.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • nerve gas — n an organophosphate chemical weapon that interferes with normal nerve transmission and induces intense bronchial spasm with resulting inhibition of respiration compare WAR GAS * * * any gas that disrupts the normal functioning of nerves and thus …   Medical dictionary

  • nerve gas — nerve gases N MASS Nerve gas is a poisonous gas used in war as a weapon …   English dictionary

  • nerve gas — nerve′ gas n. any of several poison gases, derived chiefly from phosphoric acid, that interfere with nerve conduction and respiration • Etymology: 1935–40 …   From formal English to slang

  • nerve gas — ► NOUN ▪ a poisonous vapour which disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, causing death or disablement …   English terms dictionary

  • nerve gas — n [U] a poisonous gas that is used in war to kill or ↑paralyse people …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • nerve gas — nerve ,gas noun uncount a poisonous gas that damages people s nerves and can kill them, used as a weapon in war …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • nerve gas — n. any of several poisonous, odorless, colorless, and tasteless liquids that volatilize readily, are rapidly absorbed through the eyes, lungs, or skin, and inactivate the enzyme cholinesterase, causing paralysis of the respiratory and central… …   English World dictionary

  • nerve gas — noun a toxic gas that is inhaled or absorbed through the skin and has harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory system • Syn: ↑nerve agent • Hypernyms: ↑poison gas, ↑agent • Hyponyms: ↑VX gas, ↑organophosphate nerve agent …   Useful english dictionary

  • nerve gas — noun A toxic chemical compound and banned weapon of mass destruction which, when inhaled or ingested, impairs nervous system functions, typically causing extreme physical distress and death by asphyxiation. United States Army chemical warfare… …   Wiktionary

  • nerve gas — any gas that disrupts the normal functioning of nerves and thus of the muscles they supply. There are two groups, the G agents and the V agents. The latter are more than 300 times as deadly as mustard gas: one inhalation can kill by paralysing… …   The new mediacal dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”