bromine

noun

bro·​mine ˈbrō-ˌmēn 

: a nonmetallic chemical element of the halogen group that is used especially in the production of flame retardants and formerly in gasoline additives and medicines (such as bromides) see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of bromine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each item was first screened for bromine, a chemical found in some flame retardants. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

If an item contained more than 50 parts per million of bromine, the team then tested the product for brominated flame retardants and organophosphate flame retardants. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Researchers examined 203 consumer products for bromine, a key indicator of the use of flame retardants, and then more closely examined 20 products with the highest levels. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024

The study — published Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the journal Chemosphere — screened 203 consumer products for bromine, commonly used to make flame retardants. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French brome bromine + English -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bromine

noun

bro·​mine ˈbrō-ˌmēn 

: an element that is a deep red liquid that has two atoms per molecule, gives off an irritating reddish brown vapor of disagreeable odor, and tends to eat into other matter see element

Medical Definition

bromine

noun

bro·​mine ˈbrō-ˌmēn 

: a nonmetallic halogen element that is isolated as a deep red corrosive toxic fuming liquid of disagreeable odor

—symbol Br see Chemical Elements Table