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

The wastewater treatment plant no longer uses chlorine, but the City of San Jose has placed the site in a conservation easement to protect it from development. —Mark Degraff, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024

The main method of keeping splash pads free from infectious viruses is chlorine. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Some water systems decided to use chloramine -- a chemical compound formed by mixing chlorine and ammonia -- as a disinfectant instead. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2024

Wash and disinfect the container with a solution of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024

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