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

Lower chlorine levels and the warming 20–24C are among the attractions. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 5 Nov. 2026

The light generates highly reactive chlorine radicals that activate carbon atoms along the polymer chains without destroying them. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Any cutting boards, countertops and utensils that came into contact with raw food should be washed and sanitized with a mix of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of hot water. — Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The facility lacks chlorine sanitizer test strips for the dish machine. — Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chlorine

• chlorine dioxide
• chlorine monoxide

Rhymes for chlorine

• taurine
• organochlorine

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