chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklȯr-ˌēn 

-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

Canada exports about 80% of chlorine to the U.S. that is used for chemicals to disinfect drinking water for the West Coast states, according to Eric Byer, CEO of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025

Lead is often present in paint and pipes used in older homes, while chlorine and other chemicals are generated when plastic melts or combusts. —Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025

Step Two: Mix one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2025

Non-toxic cleaners are formulated without harmful chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and phthalates, which can irritate skin, cause respiratory issues, and pose potential health issues. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chlorine

• chlorine dioxide
• chlorine monoxide

Kids Definition

chlorine

noun

chlo·​rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn 

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

chlo·​rine ˈklō(ə)r-ˌēn, ˈklȯ(ə)r-, -ən 

: 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