- paraquat
- A weedkiller that produces delayed toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and lungs when ingested; progressive interstitial pneumonia with proliferation of alveolar lining cells may develop.
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para·quat 'par-ə-.kwät n an herbicide containing a salt of a cation [C12H14N2]2+ that is used esp. as a weed killer and that is extremely toxic to the liver, kidneys, and lungs if ingested* * *
n.the chemical compound dimethyl dipyridilium, widely used as a weed-killer. When swallowed it exerts its most serious effects upon the lungs, the tissues of which it destroys after a few days. Paraquat poisoning is almost invariably fatal.* * *
para·quat (parґə-kwaht) a poisonous dipyridilium compound whose dichloride and dimethylsulfate salts are used as contact herbicides. See paraquat poisoning, under poisoning.
Medical dictionary. 2011.