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

Here is a look at the interactive tool that the EPA is using to monitor chlorine in the air: Contributing: James Powel, USA TODAY. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024

Smoke that contains chlorine compounds can cause irritation of the eyes and the airways and other symptoms. —Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 2 Oct. 2024

Remember to empty out the filter and pump baskets once finished. Step 3: Add Pool Treatment After cleaning the pool, add a chlorine shock treatment to help get rid of any organic materials and prevent microbes from growing or reproducing in the water throughout the winter months. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

Just some of the debris washed up on land in coastal Pinellas: chunks of broken docks, multiple speedboats and kayaks, a chlorine jug, a drum barrel, dozens of plastic spoons, and a yellow pool noodle. —Kathryn Varn, Axios, 27 Sep. 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