fluorine

noun

fluo·​rine ˈflu̇r-ˌēn 

ˈflȯr-

: a nonmetallic gaseous chemical element of the halogen group with atomic number 9 that readily forms compounds with almost all other elements including some noble gases see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of fluorine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These metabolites can have their own environmental issues, but the analysis found that after 194 days the bacteria had removed the fluorine from three PFOS metabolites. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 9 Feb. 2025

Many groups are devising novel PEM membranes without fluorine, as well as electrodes that require less iridium. —science.org, 23 Jan. 2025

Of all the wristbands sampled, the researchers observed that those that cost more than $30 contained more fluorine than those priced less than $15. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024

The scientists ended up screening 22 wristbands from a range of brands and price points, looking for both fluorine — which indicates the possible presence of PFAS — and 20 individual types of PFAS. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin fluor

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fluorine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

fluorine

noun

flu·​o·​rine

ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌēn,

-ən

: a nonmetallic element that is normally found alone as a pale yellowish flammable irritating poisonous gas having two atoms per molecule see element

Medical Definition

fluorine

noun

fluo·​rine ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌēn  -ən 

: a nonmetallic monovalent halogen element that is normally a pale yellowish flammable irritating toxic gas

—symbol F see Chemical Elements Table