fluoridate

[ floor-i-deyt, flawr-, flohr- ]

verb (used with object)

, fluor·i·dat·ed, fluor·i·dat·ing.

1. to introduce a fluoride into:

   to fluoridate drinking water.

fluoridate

/ ˈflʊərɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to subject (water) to fluoridation

fluoridate

/ flr′ĭ-dāt′ /

1. To add fluorine or a fluoride to something, especially to drinking water in order to prevent tooth decay.

Other Words From

• de·fluori·date verb (used with object) defluoridated defluoridating

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluoridate¹

First recorded in 1945–50; back formation from fluoridation

Example Sentences

Fluoride - a naturally occurring mineral recognised to protect teeth against decay - is added to water supplies in many countries, including the US, where around 63% of the population have fluoridated water.

From BBC

In England, about one in 10 people has fluoridated drinking water.

From BBC

On the campaign trail, Trump promised radical changes, including mass deportations of undocumented migrants and putting vaccine and fluoridated water critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a position of influence over public health.

From Los Angeles Times

In California, scientifically shaky skepticism of fluoridated water has been around almost as long as the stuff has been coming out of the taps.

From Los Angeles Times

"With the advent of fluoridated toothpaste, other countries without fluoride in the drinking water have similar caries occurrence as the US."

From Salon