Wiktionary
n. A tear gas formed by mixing 0-chlorobenzalmalononitrile powder with a dispersal liquid.
Wikipedia
The compound 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (also called o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile) (chemical formula: CHClN), a cyanocarbon, is the defining component of a tear gas commonly referred to as CS gas, which is used as a riot control agent. Exposure causes a burning sensation and tearing of the eyes to the extent that the subject cannot keep their eyes open, and a burning irritation of the nose, mouth and throat mucous membranes causing profuse coughing, mucous nasal discharge, disorientation, and difficulty breathing, partially incapacitating the subject. CS gas is an aerosol of a volatile solvent (a substance that dissolves other active substances and that easily evaporates) and 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, which is a solid compound at room temperature. CS gas is generally accepted as being non-lethal. It was discovered by two Americans, Ben Corson and Roger Stoughton, at Middlebury College in 1928, and the chemical's name is derived from the first letters of the scientists' surnames.
CS was developed and tested secretly at Porton Down in Wiltshire, England, in the 1950s and 1960s. CS was used first on animals, then subsequently on British Army servicemen volunteers. CS has less effect on animals due to "under-developed tear-ducts and protection by fur".
Usage examples of "cs gas".
There was a canister of a new CS gas in his drawer that he was supposed to be appraising.
A stiff wind had sprung up, fanning flames and sweeping away clouds of CS gas.
Both had the beginnings of a headache brought on by the last of the CS gas.
He knew the grades of plastique, how to use a white phosphorus mortar and a CS gas grenade.
She sat totally still staring at the armour plated sides, festooned with pick axes, CS gas-grenade canisters, ammunition boxes.
This had ended in four of them having to dive off their speedboat after Simon accidentally launched a CS gas canister from his weapon when they hit an unexpectedly large wave.