iodine

[ ahy-uh-dahyn, -din; in Chemistry also ahy-uh-deen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a nonmetallic halogen element occurring at ordinary temperatures as a grayish-black crystalline solid that sublimes to a dense violet vapor when heated: used in medicine as an antiseptic. : I; : 126.904; : 53; : (solid) 4.93 at 20°C.

iodine

/ ˈaɪəˌdiːn /

noun

1. a bluish-black element of the halogen group that sublimates into a violet irritating gas. Its compounds are used in medicine and photography and in dyes. The radioisotope iodine-131 ( radioiodine ), with a half-life of 8 days, is used in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease. Symbol: I; atomic no: 53; atomic wt: 126.90447; valency: 1, 3, 5, or 7; relative density: 4.93; melting pt: 113.5°C; boiling pt: 184.35°C

iodine

/ ī′ə-dīn′ /

1. A shiny, grayish-black element of the halogen group. It is corrosive and poisonous and occurs in very small amounts in nature except for seaweed, in which it is abundant. Iodine compounds are used in medicine, 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.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of iodine¹

First recorded in 1814; from French iode + -ine ²( def 2 ); introduced by H. Davy. Ultimately from Greek īṓdēs, originally “rust-colored”, but by folk etymology taken as í(on) “violet” + -ōdēs noun suffix; -ode ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of iodine¹

C19: from French iode, from Greek iōdēs rust-coloured, but taken to mean violet-coloured, through a mistaken derivation from ion violet

Example Sentences

Famine and food shortages in Gaza mean pregnant women are not getting enough folate, iron, vitamin B12 and iodine.

From Salon

“We are also facing critical shortages of basic medical supplies such as gauze, iodine, alcohol swabs, and chlorhexidine for wound care. These essentials are crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing, but we are forced to ration what little we have,” Dr. S. said.

From Salon

Due to the high iodine content in many seaweed species, seaweed consumption could exacerbate thyroid conditions or interfere with thyroid medications.

From Salon

Many seaweeds contain phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which are important antioxidants, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, fibre, vitamins A, C and E – and minerals such as copper, zinc and iodine.

From Salon

Shrimp tails aren’t particularly high in omega-3 fatty acid, iron or iodine.

From Seattle Times