1. a yellow-green chemical compound (diphenylaminechloroarsine) used as a tear gas and irritant agent, especially in military and riot-control applications.
Usage: technical; military/law enforcement context; also known as DM or diphenylaminechloroarsine

Examples

• Adamsite was developed during World War I as a chemical irritant.
• The riot-control agent adamsite causes temporary irritation to the eyes and respiratory system.
• Military training sometimes includes exposure to adamsite in controlled doses.
• Adamsite is classified as a riot-control agent under international chemical weapons conventions.
• The yellow-green powder of adamsite disperses readily in air.