bromine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical)Technical/Scientific, with occasional use in literary or historical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “bromine” mean?
A chemical element (symbol Br, atomic number 35) that is a dark, fuming, reddish-brown liquid at room temperature, known for its strong, unpleasant odour and as a member of the halogen group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical element (symbol Br, atomic number 35) that is a dark, fuming, reddish-brown liquid at room temperature, known for its strong, unpleasant odour and as a member of the halogen group.
In non-technical contexts, it can refer to compounds derived from this element (bromides) which were historically used as sedatives, leading to informal connotations of dullness or conventionality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Pronunciations differ slightly.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations. The metaphorical use ('a bromide') is understood but equally archaic in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, appearing almost exclusively in scientific, industrial, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bromine” in a Sentence
Bromine is used to [verb]...Bromine reacts with [noun]The [noun] contains bromine.The process involves adding bromine.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bromine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The organic compound was brominated to increase its stability.
American English
- The substrate was brominated using elemental bromine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like chemical manufacturing, water treatment, or flame retardant production.
Academic
Common in chemistry, environmental science, and materials science textbooks and research.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in chemical engineering, laboratory procedures, safety data sheets, and industrial processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bromine”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bromine”
- Misspelling as 'bromin', 'bromene', or 'bromaine'.
- Confusing with 'bromide' (the compound/idiom).
- Mispronouncing the first syllable to rhyme with 'broom' (/'bru:maɪn/) instead of 'bro' (/ˈbrəʊ-/ or /ˈbroʊ-/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Bromine is one of only two elements that are liquid at standard room temperature and pressure (the other being mercury).
It comes from the Greek word 'bromos', meaning 'stench' (a bad smell), due to its strong, irritating odour.
It's an old-fashioned idiom meaning a very dull, conventional, or boring person, or a trite, unoriginal statement. This derives from the historical use of potassium bromide salts as sedatives.
Not in its elemental form, which is hazardous. However, bromine compounds are found in some flame retardants, disinfectants for swimming pools and hot tubs (as an alternative to chlorine), and in certain medications and photographic chemicals.
A chemical element (symbol Br, atomic number 35) that is a dark, fuming, reddish-brown liquid at room temperature, known for its strong, unpleasant odour and as a member of the halogen group.
Bromine is usually technical/scientific, with occasional use in literary or historical contexts. in register.
Bromine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrəʊmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbroʊmiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bromide (dated): A trite saying or a dull, conventional person.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BRO-MINE': Imagine a reddish-brown liquid so smelly your 'bro' says, 'Keep that away from me, it's your chemical, not mine!' (Bro + mine).
Conceptual Metaphor
DULLNESS/CONVENTIONALITY (from 'bromide'): The element's sedative compounds metaphorically source the idea of something that puts you to sleep intellectually.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the word 'bromine'?