fluoride
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.”
How to use fluoride
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA chemical, usually found in toothpaste or drinking water, that helps protect teeth from decay.
Word forms
- Plural
- fluorides
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Most toothpaste contains _____ to strengthen tooth enamel.
Etymology
From "fluorine" plus the chemical suffix "-ide," used for compounds formed with another element.