| paraquat | <chemical> The common name of the herbicide and defoliant 1,1-dimethyl-4, 4-dipyridylium. It is a yellow, water-soluble solid that kills all types of plants. It is quickly broken down by microbes in the soil, but is lethal if ingested. Contact with the skin causes irritation, cracking of the nails, and poor healing of wounds. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| paraquat lung | Paraquat, a weed killer, selectively accumulates in the lungs and is highly toxic. Once X-ray changes from paraquat are evident in the lungs, death is virtually certain. (12 Dec 1998) |