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iodine

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Definition of iodine

noun

[mass noun]

the chemical element of atomic number 53, a non-metallic element forming black crystals and a violet vapour. (Symbol: I)
a solution of iodine in alcohol, used as a mild antiseptic.

A member of the halogen group, iodine occurs chiefly as salts in seawater and brines. As a constituent of thyroid hormones it is required in small amounts in the body, and deficiency can lead to goitre

Origin:

early 19th century: from French iode (from Greek iōdēs 'violet-coloured', from ion 'violet' + -eidēs 'like') + -ine⁴

iodine in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of iodine in the US English dictionary

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