chloride

noun

chlo·​ride ˈklȯr-ˌīd How to pronounce chloride (audio)
1
: a compound of chlorine with another element or group
especially : a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid
2
: a monovalent anion consisting of one atom of chlorine

Examples of chloride in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its experimental results could help determine whether fast-spectrum molten chloride reactors can progress toward practical applications, including future maritime power systems. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 Electrolytes are minerals like chloride, sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 Other antiseptic ingredients common in over-the-counter rinses, including cetylpyridinium chloride, essential oils, iodine and hydrogen peroxide found in some Colgate, Crest and Listerine products, may produce similar effects with long-term use. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Other antiseptic ingredients found in popular over-the-counter products, including cetylpyridinium chloride, essential oils, iodine and hydrogen peroxide, may produce similar effects with long-term use. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chloride

Word History

Etymology

German Chlorid, from chlor- + -id -ide

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chloride was in 1812

Phrases Containing chloride

Rhymes for chloride

See All Rhymes for chloride

Browse Nearby Words

chlorhydrin
chloride
Chloridella
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chloride.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chloride. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chloride

noun
chlo·​ride ˈklō(ə)r-ˌīd How to pronounce chloride (audio)
ˈklȯ(ə)r-
: a chemical compound of chlorine with another element, group, or substance

Medical Definition

chloride

noun
chlo·​ride ˈklō(ə)r-ˌīd, ˈklȯ(ə)r- How to pronounce chloride (audio)
1
: a compound of chlorine with another element or radical
especially : a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid

called also muriate

2
: a monovalent anion consisting at one atom of chlorine

More from Merriam-Webster on chloride

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chloride

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