chlorine
Syllabification: (chlo·rine)
Pronunciation: /ˈklôrˌēn/
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Definition of chlorine
noun
- the chemical element of atomic number 17, a toxic, irritant, pale green gas. (Symbol: Cl)
A member of the halogen group, chlorine occurs in nature mainly as sodium chloride in seawater and salt deposits. The gas was used as a poison gas in World War I. Chlorine is added to water supplies as a disinfectant
Origin:
early 19th century: named by Sir Humphrey Davy, from Greek khlōros 'green' + -ine4
