noun
bromide
BROH-myd
Bromide (noun) means a chemical compound formed from bromine and another element, once used as a mild sedative. Example: “The old novel mentions a nurse dosing the patient with bromide to calm her nerves.”
noun
1
A chemical compound formed from bromine and another element, once used as a mild sedative.
"The old novel mentions a nurse dosing the patient with bromide to calm her nerves."
2
A dull, obvious remark or overused saying; a platitude.
"His speech was full of tired bromides about "believing in yourself.""
How to use bromide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a bromine-based chemical, or, more commonly today, a stale and unoriginal remark.
Common pairings
tired bromide
stock bromide
trade in bromides
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Word forms
- Plural
- bromides
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The old novel mentions a nurse dosing the patient with _____ to calm her nerves.
Etymology
From "brom-" (bromine) plus "-ide." The "platitude" sense comes from American humorist Gelett Burgess, who first used "bromide" for a dull, conventional person — a nod to the compound's use as a calming, dulling sedative.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bromide
See all rhymes for bromide →Frequently asked questions
What does “bromide” mean?
The word “bromide” means a chemical compound formed from bromine and another element, once used as a mild sedative. In plain terms, either a bromine-based chemical, or, more commonly today, a stale and unoriginal remark.
How do you pronounce “bromide”?
“Bromide” is pronounced BROH-myd (/ˈbɹoʊ.maɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “bromide” in a sentence?
Here is “bromide” used in a sentence: “The old novel mentions a nurse dosing the patient with bromide to calm her nerves.”
What part of speech is “bromide”?
“Bromide” is a noun.
How many meanings does “bromide” have?
“Bromide” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a chemical compound formed from bromine and another element, once used as a mild sedative.
