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noun Uncommon

iodine

EYE-uh-dyn

Iodine (noun) means a chemical element, symbol I, used in medicine, photography, and as a nutrient needed by the thyroid gland. Example: “Seaweed is naturally rich in iodine.”

noun
1
A chemical element, symbol I, used in medicine, photography, and as a nutrient needed by the thyroid gland.
"Seaweed is naturally rich in iodine."
"The nurse dabbed iodine on the wound to disinfect it."

How to use iodine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical element used as an antiseptic and essential for a healthy thyroid.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
iodine deficiency tincture of iodine iodine solution

Word forms

iodined past tense, iodines plural, iodines singular

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Seaweed is naturally rich in _____.

Etymology

From French iode, from Ancient Greek ioeidēs, "violet-coloured," describing the purple vapour the element gives off when heated. Named by the chemist Humphry Davy in 1814.

Origin: Ancient Greek · First attested 1814

Class of 1814 iodine joined the language around 1814.
See the full Class of 1814 →
I iodin atomic number 53 tincture of iodine

Related words

Rhymes for iodine

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Frequently asked questions

What does “iodine” mean?

The word “iodine” means a chemical element, symbol I, used in medicine, photography, and as a nutrient needed by the thyroid gland. In plain terms, a chemical element used as an antiseptic and essential for a healthy thyroid.

How do you pronounce “iodine”?

“Iodine” is pronounced EYE-uh-dyn (/ˈaɪ.əˌdaɪn in IPA).

How do you use “iodine” in a sentence?

Here is “iodine” used in a sentence: “Seaweed is naturally rich in iodine.”

What part of speech is “iodine”?

“Iodine” is a noun.

Where does the word “iodine” come from?

The word “iodine” dates back to around 1814 and comes from Ancient Greek. From French iode, from Ancient Greek ioeidēs, "violet-coloured," describing the purple vapour the element gives off when heated. Named by the chemist Humphry Davy in 1814.

Is “iodine” a common word?

“Iodine” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial