chlorhexidine

noun chlor·hex·i·dine \ klȯr-ˈhek-sə-ˌdīn , -ˌdēn \

Definition of chlorhexidine

: an antibacterial compound C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₁₀ used as a local antiseptic (as in mouthwash) and disinfectant especially in the form of its hydrochloride, gluconate, or acetate

Recent Examples of chlorhexidine from the Web

Some formulations of alcohol and chlorhexidine do not kill them easily, tests have shown, although chlorine does.

— NBC News, "Virus looks like flu, acts like flu, but it's not influenza," 28 Jan. 2018
At the end of the study, researchers found that coconut oil was as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing the presence of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans.

— korin miller, SELF, "Malin Akerman Swears Oil Pulling Makes Her Teeth Healthier," 6 Oct. 2017
The disinfectant chlorhexidine and antibiotic mupirocin can also have adverse effects on patients — especially premature babies in the ICU, whose skin and neurological systems are still developing.

— melody petersen, latimes.com, "UCI doctor’s plan to stop superbugs is widely used. At her own hospital, it didn’t work," 16 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chlorhexidine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chlorhexidine

International Scientific Vocabulary chlor- + hex- + -idine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1957

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

chlorhexidine

noun chlor·hex·i·dine \ klōr-ˈhek-sə-ˌdīn, klȯr-, -ˌdēn \

medical Definition of chlorhexidine

: an antibacterial compound C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₁₀ that is a biguanide derivative used as a local antiseptic (as in mouthwash) and disinfectant especially in the form of its hydrochloride, gluconate, or acetate