chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklȯr-ˌēn How to pronounce chlorine (audio)
-ən
: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish-yellow diatomic gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of chlorine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aside from the fact that concentrations of fluoride in drinking water have not been shown to cause harm, the bill allows for the use of a carcinogenic substance — chlorine — to be added to drinking water. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2025 Fluoride and chlorine — to kill bacteria — are added to the water, and it is disinfected with ultraviolet light. Yuvraj Khanna, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Hydrogen peroxide reverts to plain water after exposure to sunlight and is safer for use than chlorine bleach. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025 Those violations included a dishwasher not having enough chlorine, roach activity and food held at the wrong temperatures. Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chlorine

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorine was in 1810

Cite this Entry

“Chlorine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorine. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

chlorine

noun
chlo·​rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn How to pronounce chlorine (audio)
ˈklȯ(ə)r-,
-ən
: a nonmetallic element that is found alone as a heavy greenish yellow irritating gas having two atoms per molecule and a strong odor and that is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification see element

Medical Definition

chlorine

noun
: a halogen element that is isolated as a heavy greenish yellow gas of pungent odor and is used especially as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification
symbol Cl
see Chemical Elements Table

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