NERVE GAS Meaning and
Definition
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Nerve gas is a term used to describe a class of chemical agents that are highly toxic and can exert their effects through the disruption of the nervous system. These gases are known to interfere with the normal functioning of nerve cells, specifically blocking or inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses.
Nerve gases, also referred to as nerve agents, are typically odorless, colorless, and tasteless liquids that can be easily vaporized into a gas form for dispersal. They are primarily used as chemical weapons due to their potent and lethal effects on living organisms. Examples of nerve gases include sarin, tabun, soman, and VX.
Upon exposure to nerve gas, individuals may experience a wide range of symptoms, depending on the concentration and duration of exposure. These symptoms can include excessive salivation, blurred vision, muscle twitches, respiratory distress, convulsions, paralysis, and even death in severe cases.
The mechanism of action of nerve gases involves interfering with the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By inhibiting this enzyme, nerve agents cause an accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, leading to overstimulation of nerve cells and disrupting normal nerve transmission.
Due to their extreme toxicity and potential for harm, nerve gases are heavily regulated under international law, particularly by the Chemical Weapons Convention signed by many countries. The use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of nerve agents are strictly prohibited under this treaty, with widespread efforts directed towards their control, destruction, and prevention of proliferation.
Common Misspellings for NERVE GAS
- berve gas
- merve gas
- jerve gas
- herve gas
- nwrve gas
- nsrve gas
- ndrve gas
- nrrve gas
- n4rve gas
- n3rve gas
- neeve gas
- nedve gas
- nefve gas
- netve gas
- ne5ve gas
- ne4ve gas
- nerce gas
- nerbe gas
- nerge gas
- nervegas
Etymology of NERVE GAS
The word "nerve gas" is made up of two separate components: "nerve" and "gas".
1. Nerve: The word "nerve" comes from the Old French word "nerf", which originated from the Latin term "nervus", meaning "sinew, tendon". Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to the bundles of fibers responsible for carrying sensations and signals between different parts of the body. Eventually, "nerve" expanded to denote the entire structure of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the context of "nerve gas", the word refers to the impact these gases have on the nervous system.
2. Gas: The word "gas" stems from the Greek term "khaos", used to describe a gap or void. In ancient Greek philosophy, "khaos" referred to the primal state of matter before the universe's formation.
Similar spelling words for NERVE GAS
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