chemical-warfare (CW) agent

chem·i·cal-war·fare (CW) a·gent

(kem'i-kăl-wōr'fār ā'jĕnt) 1. In U.S. military parlance, any chemical compound developed for battlefield use either to kill or seriously injure (i.e., toxic chemical agents) or else to incapacitate (i.e., incapacitating agents) humans or animals by means of its toxicologic effects. Within the United States, regulation specifically excludes riot-control agents, herbicides, smoke, and flame.2. A chemical poison synthesized or of natural (including plant) origin and intended for military use. This definition includes toxins as chemical-warfare agents. 3. A precursor compound used in the synthesis of a chemical-warfare agent.