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

Christmas is supposed to be cold and cozy, not full of chlorine and Coppertone. —Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025

The scientists are now looking into methods of performing the process without the environmentally-unfriendly solvent, skipping straight to the chlorine radical. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025

Also known as calcium chloride, this acid is pretty standard and used to make chlorine and fertilizer, even fireworks. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Feb. 2025

There isn’t enough chlorine in the world, rose lovers. —EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chlorine

• chlorine dioxide
• chlorine monoxide

Rhymes for chlorine

• organochlorine

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