nerve gas

/ˌnʌrv ˈgæs/

Other forms: nerve gases

Definitions of nerve gas

1. noun

   a toxic gas that is inhaled or absorbed through the skin and has harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory system
   synonyms: nerve agent

   types:

   VX gas

   a highly lethal nerve agent used in chemical warfare; a toxic liquid that penetrates the skin or lungs to disrupt the nervous system and stop respiration; in combat VX gas is deployed by detonating a container over the target area and can persist in the environment up to several weeks after release

   organophosphate nerve agent

   any of a series of nerve agents containing organophosphate compounds first synthesized by German chemists in 1936; in World War II the Germans tested them in concentration camps but not on the battlefield; Iraq is alleged to have used them against Iran and against the Kurds

   GB, sarin

   a highly toxic chemical nerve agent that inhibits the activity of cholinesterase

   GD, soman

   a nerve agent easily absorbed into the body; a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor that is highly toxic when inhaled

   GA, tabun

   the first known nerve agent, synthesized by German chemists in 1936; a highly toxic combustible liquid that is soluble in organic solvents and is used as a nerve gas in chemical warfare

   type of:

   agent

   a substance that exerts some force or effect

   poison gas

   a gas that is poisonous to breath or contact; used in chemical warfare