noun
- A chemical compound (diphenylaminechloroarsine) used as a tear gas or riot control agent, especially in military and law enforcement contexts.
Usage: Usually used in plural form; Named after Roger Adams, the chemist who synthesized it; Historical military/chemical agent
Examples
- Adamsites were developed during World War I as a chemical warfare agent.
- The military tested adamsites as a less-lethal crowd control option.
- Exposure to adamsites causes irritation to the eyes and respiratory system.
- Adamsites were eventually phased out in favor of other riot control agents.
- The chemical properties of adamsites made it useful for dispersing crowds.