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After bromine was discovered in 1827, chemists could not resist experimenting with the new element. It didn't take long before they found uses for its compounds, in particular potassium bromide, which was used as a sedative to treat everything from epilepsy to sleeplessness. By the 20th century, bromide was being used figuratively to apply to anything or anyone that might put one to sleep because of commonness or just plain dullness.
Examples of bromide in a Sentence
His speech had nothing more to offer than the usual bromides about how everyone needs to work together.
a newspaper editorial offering the timeworn bromide that people should settle their differences peacefully
Recent Examples on the Web
His trite bromides are typical of showbiz cretins struggling to appear principled.
—
Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025
The state uses a three-drug protocol of etomidate, rocuronium bromide and potassium acetate.
—James Powel, USA Today, 2 May 2025
But behind such vague bromides are specific national qualities that social scientists can identify and measure.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
The teenage Miller invited Horowitz to speak at Santa Monica High School in the early aughts, entranced by his bromides against multiculturalism.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bromide
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Armond White, National Review, 28 May 2025
The state uses a three-drug protocol of etomidate, rocuronium bromide and potassium acetate.
—James Powel, USA Today, 2 May 2025
But behind such vague bromides are specific national qualities that social scientists can identify and measure.
—Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
The teenage Miller invited Horowitz to speak at Santa Monica High School in the early aughts, entranced by his bromides against multiculturalism.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bromide
Cite this Entry
“Bromide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bromide. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bromide
noun
bro·mide
ˈbrō-ˌmīd 
: any of various compounds of bromine with another element or a chemical group including some used as sedatives
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