organophosphate nerve agent

Definitions of organophosphate nerve agent

1. noun

   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
   types:

   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:

   nerve agent, nerve gas

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