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iodine
(ī′ə dīn′, -din; Brit & among chemists, -dēn′)
noun
- a nonmetallic chemical element, one of the halogens, consisting of grayish-black crystals that volatilize into a violet-colored vapor: used as an antiseptic, in the manufacture of dyes, in photography, etc.: symbol, I; at. no., 53: a radioactive isotope () is used esp. in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid function, in internal radiation therapy, and as a tracer
- tincture of iodine, used as an antiseptic
Origin: Fr iode, iodine (< Gr iōdēs, violetlike < ion, a violet + eidos, form: see -oid) + -ine
See iodine in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- Symbol I2 A lustrous, grayish-black, corrosive, poisonous halogen element having radioactive isotopes, especially I 131, used as a medical tracer and in thyroid disease diagnosis and therapy. Iodine compounds are used as germicides, antiseptics, and dyes. Atomic number 53; atomic weight 126.9045; melting point 113.5°C; boiling point 184.35°C; specific gravity (solid, at 20°C) 4.93; valence 1, 3, 5, 7. See Table at element.
- An antiseptic preparation containing iodine in solution, used to treat wounds.
Origin:
Origin: French iode, iodine (from Greek ioeidēs, violet-colored : ion, violet + -oeidēs, -oid)
Origin: + -ine2
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