fluoride

noun

fluo·​ride ˈflȯr-ˌīd How to pronounce fluoride (audio) ˈflu̇r- How to pronounce fluoride (audio)
often attributive
1
: a compound of fluorine
2
: the monovalent anion of fluorine

Examples of fluoride 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.
Gonzalez has asked county lawyers to draft legislation ending Miami-Dade’s nearly 70-year practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to help prevent cavities. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025 The effects of getting rid of fluoride in drinking water would take more time to bear out than Medicaid coverage changes. — Maya Goldman, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025 Other bills that reflect the interests of the Trump administration include one banning fluoride from municipal water supplies and another renaming the iconic Tamiami Trail the Gulf of America Trail. — Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025 What happens in communities without fluoride in drinking water? — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluoride

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluoride was in 1826

Phrases Containing fluoride

Rhymes for fluoride

See All Rhymes for fluoride

Browse Nearby Words

fluoridated
fluoride
fluorinate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluoride.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluoride. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

fluoride

noun
flu·​o·​ride
ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīd
: a compound of fluorine with another element or chemical group

Medical Definition

fluoride

noun
flu·​o·​ride ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīd How to pronounce fluoride (audio)
1
: a compound of fluorine with a more electropositive element or radical
2
: the monovalent anion of fluorine
fluoride adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on fluoride

Nglish: Translation of fluoride for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fluoride

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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