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

Twelve people, including several children, were taken to a hospital in 2023 after too much chlorine was put into a lazy river pool in Houston. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 14 June 2024

This means that any exposure to chlorine, hand soaps, or other elements that would otherwise oxidize your jewelry won’t chip away at the exterior. —Shelby Hyde, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2024

Some people are sensitive to chlorine in both their skin and hair and not bathing can lead to irritation. —Genevieve Shaw Brown, Parents, 8 June 2024

Leave the goggles at home, there’s barely any chlorine. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 May 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