Chlorine

/ˈklɔːriːn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17, characterized as a yellow-green gas at room temperature and widely used in sanitation and bleaching.

Chlorine is commonly added to swimming pools to disinfect the water.

A toxic gas with a pungent odor, used in the production of various chemicals and compounds.

During World War I, chlorine was used as a chemical weapon in trench warfare.

A component in various compounds such as sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt.

The salt we use in cooking contains chlorine in the form of sodium chloride.

A chemical substance used for cleaning and disinfecting.

I mixed chlorine with water to create a powerful cleaning solution for the kitchen.

An element used in the manufacture of many industrial chemicals.

Chlorine is essential in the production of plastics and solvents.

Etymology

From the Greek word 'chloros', meaning 'green'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

chlorine gas

A toxic gas used in industrial applications.

chlorine bleach

A common household cleaning agent.

chlorinated water

Water treated with chlorine for sanitation.

Related Words

chlorination

The process of treating water with chlorine.

chloride

A compound of chlorine with another element.

chlorofluorocarbon

A compound that contains chlorine, fluorine, and carbon.

Slang Meanings

Chlorine headache

I have a chlorine headache from spending too much time in the pool.

Swimmer's nose

After practicing for hours, I think I have a bit of swimmer's nose from all the chlorine.