Chemical weapon
A chemical weapon is a fully engineered assembly designed for employment to cause the release of a chemical or biological agent or radiological material onto a chosen target or to generate a nuclear detonation. Also called CBRN weapon (chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapon) [U. S. Department of Defense, p. 30].
Together or separately, (a) a toxic chemical and its precursors, except when intended for a purpose not prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention; (b) a munition or device specifically designed to cause death or other harm through toxic properties of those chemicals specified in (a), above, which would be released as a result of the employment of such munition or device; (c) any equipment specifically designed for use directly in connection with the employment of munitions or devices specified in (b), above [U. S. Department of Defense, p. 31].
Chemical weapons are any of several chemical compounds, usually toxic agents, that are intended to kill, injure, or incapacitate enemy personnel [Britannica Dictionary].
U. S. Department of Defense. (2017). Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms - As Amended Through 15 February 2016 - (Joint Publication 1-02). New York: Skyhorse.
Chemical weapon. The Britannica Dictionary. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/technology/chemical-weapon