The term pnicogen is not actually recommended by IUPAC, nevertheless, use of the Greek verb "to
choke" may have one of many origins. Perhaps it refers to the fact that nitrogen is a "choking gas" or
that PH3 gives you a gagging reflex. "pnigo; pnigein" by definition is to choke, throttle, wring the neck
of, strangle. If any readers know any more of the etymology of pnicogens, I would be interested to
hear from them; email me via my website (www.sciencebase.com).