Definition of iodine
1 : a nonmetallic halogen element obtained usually as heavy shining blackish-gray crystals and used especially in medicine, photography, and analysis — see element table
2 : a tincture of iodine used especially as a topical antiseptic
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Recent Examples of iodine from the Web
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To investigate further, Choi reports, the researchers fed some of the ants water laced with radioactive iodine.
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Kelp also has one of the highest concentrations of iodine, essential for a healthy thyroid, found in nature.
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Many wilderness experts recommend packing chemical treatments such as iodine or chlorine dioxide tablets, which disinfect water over minutes or hours.
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Clean the bite area with alcohol, iodine or soap and water, and don’t forget to clean your hands, too.
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Organic milk provides a greater amount of iodine and certain vitamins and antioxidants, according to researchers from Newcastle University in the UK.
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The case involved a Tennessee man convicted for his role selling iodine water purification filters to methamphetamine makers.
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The case involved a Tennessee man convicted for his role selling iodine water purification filters to methamphetamine makers.
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Terry Honeycutt helped sell more than 20,000 filters at his brother’s hardware store and prosecutors said both brothers knew the iodine was used by local meth cooks.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'iodine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Iodine is a nonmetallic chemical element and the heaviest nonradioactive halogen. It is a very nearly black crystalline solid that can turn to a deep violet, irritating vapor. In nature it is never found uncombined, and occurs mostly in brines and seaweeds. Dietary iodine is essential for thyroid gland function, so table salt usually has potassium iodide added to prevent iodine deficiency. Elemental iodine is used in medicine, in synthesizing some organic chemicals, in manufacturing dyes, in analytical chemistry, and in photography. The radioactive isotope I-131, with an eight-day half-life, is very useful in medicine and other applications.
Origin and Etymology of iodine
French iode, from Greek ioeidēs violet colored, from ion violet
IODINE Defined for English Language Learners
iodine
playDefinition of iodine for English Language Learners
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: a chemical element that is used especially in medicine and photography
IODINE Defined for Kids
iodine
playDefinition of iodine for Students
1 : a chemical element found in seawater and seaweeds and used especially in medicine and photography
2 : a solution of iodine in alcohol used to kill germs
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of iodine
1: a nonmetallic halogen element obtained usually as heavy shining blackish gray crystals and used especially in medicine (as in antisepsis and in the treatment of goiter and cretinism) and in photography and chemical analysis—symbol I; see element table
2: a tincture of iodine used especially as a topical antiseptic
Learn More about iodine
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See words that rhyme with iodine Spanish Central: Translation of iodine Nglish: Translation of iodine for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of iodine for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about iodine
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