bromide

[ broh-mahyd broh-mid ]

noun

1. Chemistry.
   1. a salt of hydrobromic acid consisting of two elements, one of which is bromine, as sodium bromide, NaBr.
   2. a compound containing bromine, as methyl bromide.
2. Pharmacology. potassium bromide, known to produce central nervous system depression, formerly used as a sedative.
3. a platitude or trite saying.
4. a person who is platitudinous and boring.

bromide

/ ˈbrəʊmaɪd /

noun

1. any salt of hydrobromic acid, containing the monovalent ion Br ^–( bromide ion )
2. any compound containing a bromine atom, such as methyl bromide
3. a dose of sodium or potassium bromide given as a sedative
4. 1. a trite saying; platitude
   2. a dull or boring person

bromide

/ brō′mīd′ /

1. A compound, such as potassium bromide, containing bromine and another element or radical.

Other Words From

• sub·bromide noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bromide¹

First recorded in 1830–40; brom- + -ide ( def ); bromide indefs 3, 4 from use of some bromides as sedatives

Word History and Origins

Origin of bromide¹

C19, C20 (cliché): from brom ( ine ) + -ide

Example Sentences

Bismarck, a 19th century German chancellor, gave us the oft-repeated bromide, and I paraphrase: Laws are like sausages.

From Los Angeles Times

Borrowing an old bromide, when the stock market sneezes, California’s state government catches pneumonia.

From Los Angeles Times

Use of the gas surged after sales of another fumigant called methyl bromide were sharply curtailed because of the harm it caused to the ozone layer.

From Los Angeles Times

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, methyl bromide can cause lung disease, convulsions, comas and ultimately death.

From Seattle Times

He was surrounded by bromides such as “Never Never Give Up” and “Follow Your Dreams” in scrawls that tried to mimic graffiti but were as cool as mom jeans.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cliché