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.
There isn’t enough chlorine in the world, rose lovers. EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025 The underwater life is still with her, in her thirties: the smell of chlorine, nylon straps digging into shoulders, hair clumped into icicles after predawn workouts in a Toronto suburb. The New Yorker, 24 Dec. 2024 Pour 150 ml of 9% vinegar and a small amount of liquid chlorine bleach into the drain. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024 The Meeting The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Monday reminded Syria of its obligations to safeguard and destroy hazardous substances, including chlorine gas, following rebel forces' entry into the capital, Damascus, over the weekend. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 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 19 Mar. 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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