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Added 9 October 2026

chlorine

/ˈklɔɹin/ noun

In Latin: none, coined in 1810 Coined: 1810, by Humphry Davy Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about chlorine at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A common nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; best known as a heavy yellow irritating toxic gas; used to purify water and as a bleaching agent and disinfectant; occurs naturally only as a salt (as in sea water).

Origin

Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1810 from Ancient Greek χλωρός (khlōrós, “pale green”) + -ine.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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