chlorine

Noun

chlorine (usually uncountable, plural chlorines)

1. (usually) A toxic, green, gaseous chemical element (symbol Cl) with an atomic number of 17.
   • When TCCA touches a small amount of water and doesn’t dissolve, “it can experience a chemical reaction, generating heat and causing the decomposition of the chemical, which in turn produces toxic chlorine gas and can produce explosive nitrogen trichloride,” a 2023 report by the CSB said.2024 November 24, Chris Boyette, “Investigators release update on BioLab chemical plant fire probe”, in CNN

   Synonyms:

   E925

2. (countable, usually) A single atom of this element.
3. (countable, usually) A chlorine-based bleach or disinfectant.
   • The mechanism involved in the explosive reaction between swimming pool chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) and brake fluid (polyethylene glycol), a possible improvised explosive mixture, has been studied by means of the gaseous products produced.1982, Richard Saferstein, editor, Forensic Science Handbook, volume III, Regents/Prentice Hall, →ISBN, page 154
   • Chlorines are useful for disinfecting water and for housekeeping disinfectants.1989, Carol Taylor, Carol Lillis, Priscilla LeMone, Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Nursing Care, J. B. Lippincott Company, →ISBN, page 513