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iodine

Syllabification: (i·o·dine)

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Definition of iodine

noun

the chemical element of atomic number 53, a nonmetallic element forming black crystals and a violet vapor. (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 goiter

Origin:

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

iodine in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of iodine in the British & World English dictionary

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