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noun Uncommon

fluoride

FLOOR-ryd

Fluoride (noun) means a chemical compound containing fluorine, commonly added to water or toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. Example: “Most toothpaste contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel.”

noun
1
A chemical compound containing fluorine, commonly added to water or toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
"Most toothpaste contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel."

How to use fluoride

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical, usually found in toothpaste or drinking water, that helps protect teeth from decay.

Common pairings
fluoride toothpaste fluoride treatment add fluoride to water

Word forms

fluorides plural

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Most toothpaste contains _____ to strengthen tooth enamel.

Etymology

From "fluorine" plus the chemical suffix "-ide," used for compounds formed with another element.

Rhymes for fluoride

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Frequently asked questions

What does “fluoride” mean?

The word “fluoride” means a chemical compound containing fluorine, commonly added to water or toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. In plain terms, a chemical, usually found in toothpaste or drinking water, that helps protect teeth from decay.

How do you pronounce “fluoride”?

“Fluoride” is pronounced FLOOR-ryd (/ˈflʊɚˌaɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “fluoride” in a sentence?

Here is “fluoride” used in a sentence: “Most toothpaste contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel.”

What part of speech is “fluoride”?

“Fluoride” is a noun.

Is “fluoride” a common word?

“Fluoride” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial