triclosan

1. (organic chemistry) A widely used wide-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent, with molecular formula C₁₂H₇Cl₃O₂, which works by disrupting the growth of microbes, rather than actively killing them.Examples: "While the active ingredient in the Vicks product, triclosan, is covered under F.D.A. regulations for certain antiseptic uses, that does not include P.& G.’s directions that users should leave the sanitizer on their hands, without rinsing with water, according to the letter."uncountable