organophosphate nerve agent - any of a series of nerve agents containing organophosphate compounds first synthesized by German chemists in 1936; in World War II the Germans tested them in concentration camps but not on the battlefield; Iraq is alleged to have used them against Iran and against the Kurdsnerve agent, nerve gas - a toxic gas that is inhaled or absorbed through the skin and has harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory system GB, sarin - a highly toxic chemical nerve agent that inhibits the activity of cholinesterase GD, soman - a nerve agent easily absorbed into the body; a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor that is highly toxic when inhaled GA, tabun - the first known nerve agent, synthesized by German chemists in 1936; a highly toxic combustible liquid that is soluble in organic solvents and is used as a nerve gas in chemical warfare |