chloramine

noun

chlo·​ra·​mine ˈklȯr-ə-ˌmēn 

: any of various compounds containing nitrogen and chlorine

Examples of chloramine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If water remains stagnant in a reservoir, there is a risk that chloramine, the chemical used as a disinfectant, will break down and chlorine will evaporate, leaving behind ammonia that could foster bacterial growth in the water supply. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

However, scientists have long suspected that at least one decomposition product of chloramine might also be detrimental to human health. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024

Learn more › For decades, utilities in the U.S. have used a family of disinfectants known as chloramines to disinfect drinking water. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024

Although chloramine was becoming commonly used as drinking water disinfectant, scientists noticed that byproducts seemed to form as a result. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

chloramine

noun

chlo·​ra·​mine ˈklōr-ə-ˌmēn, ˈklȯr- 

1

: any of three compounds formed by the reaction of dilute hypochlorous acid with ammonia

especially : a colorless oily bactericidal compound NH₂Cl having an ammoniacal odor

2

: any of various organic compounds containing nitrogen and chlorine especially when the chlorine is attached to the nitrogen atom (as in the groups −NHCl and −NCl₂)

especially : chloramine-t