chloride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific, Formal
Quick answer
What does “chloride” mean?
A chemical compound containing chlorine, especially one that is binary (consisting of chlorine and another element).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing chlorine, especially one that is binary (consisting of chlorine and another element).
The negatively charged ion Cl⁻, or any salt formed by combining chlorine with a metal or other cation. Commonly refers to specific salts like sodium chloride (table salt) or industrial chemicals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'chlorinate' is same).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations. In everyday UK English, 'chloride' might be slightly more familiar due to historical use in 'chloride of lime' (bleaching powder).
Frequency
Equally common in scientific/technical registers in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “chloride” in a Sentence
[Noun] + chloridechloride + of + [Noun][Adjective] + chlorideVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chloride” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chloride content was analysed.
- A chloride-based deicer.
American English
- The chloride level was tested.
- Chloride-induced corrosion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In manufacturing, chloride compounds are regulated due to corrosion risks.
Academic
The study measured chloride diffusion coefficients in concrete samples.
Everyday
Check the label; it says 'sodium chloride' which is just salt.
Technical
Chloride ingress is a primary cause of reinforcement corrosion in marine structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chloride”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chloride”
- Pronouncing it /ˈklɒrɪd/ (like 'chlorine' without the 'ine').
- Using 'chloride' as a countable noun for a single atom/molecule (e.g., 'a chloride' is unusual).
- Confusing 'chloride' (ion/compound) with 'chlorine' (element/gas).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Chlorine is a chemical element (Cl), a greenish gas. Chloride is the negatively charged ion (Cl⁻) of chlorine, or a compound containing it.
Chloride is an essential electrolyte for human health. However, excessive intake (e.g., from very high salt consumption) can be harmful.
Sodium chloride (NaCl), common table salt, is the most familiar and widely used chloride compound.
Yes, naturally in many foods and added as sodium chloride (salt), potassium chloride (salt substitute), or other chlorides as preservatives or stabilisers.
A chemical compound containing chlorine, especially one that is binary (consisting of chlorine and another element).
Chloride is usually technical/scientific, formal in register.
Chloride: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːrʌɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɔːraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHLOE-ride. Chloe rides a bike made of salt (sodium chloride).
Conceptual Metaphor
CHLORIDE IS A BUILDING BLOCK (of salts, electrolytes, industrial processes).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chloride' most likely to be used?