fluorine

noun

fluo·​rine ˈflu̇r-ˌēn How to pronounce fluorine (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rather than radiation, experts said a bigger risk from any attack on nuclear enrichment sites might be from fluorine gas. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 As expected, all 13 of those bands were found to contain fluorine, a hallmark of PFAS usage. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2024 The front element features a fluorine coating to help repel dust and dirt, although that front element does feel vulnerable to damage. James Abbott, Space.com, 23 May 2025 The lack of full weather sealing and a fluorine coating are among its biggest weaknesses. PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fluorine

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin fluor

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluorine was in 1813

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluorine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorine. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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
: a nonmetallic monovalent halogen element that is normally a pale yellowish flammable irritating toxic gas
symbol F
see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on fluorine

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