tolidine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / TechnicalTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “tolidine” mean?
A chemical compound used primarily in laboratory analysis as a reagent for detecting certain substances, especially in colorimetric tests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound used primarily in laboratory analysis as a reagent for detecting certain substances, especially in colorimetric tests.
Any of several isomers of a diaminoditolyl compound, specifically o-tolidine, used historically in clinical and industrial testing kits (e.g., for blood, chlorine).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both varieties use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specific scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “tolidine” in a Sentence
The test uses tolidine [as a reagent].Tolidine [reacts with] free chlorine.A [positive] result [is indicated by] a blue colour [with] tolidine.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tolidine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- The tolidine-based test is now obsolete.
- A tolidine-positive sample turned blue.
American English
- The tolidine-based assay is no longer recommended.
- A tolidine-positive result indicated contamination.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science research papers discussing analytical methods, particularly older literature.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Primary context: describing specific chemical reagents in laboratory protocols, safety data sheets, or historical test kits (e.g., for residual chlorine in water).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tolidine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tolidine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tolidine”
- Misspelling as 'tolidin', 'tolodine', or 'tolydine'. Using it as a general verb or adjective. Pronouncing it with stress on the second syllable (/təˈlɪd.iːn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its use has significantly declined due to its toxicity and carcinogenic potential. Safer alternative reagents are now preferred.
Its main historical application was as a reagent in colorimetric tests to detect substances like free chlorine in water or blood in forensic and clinical settings (e.g., guaiac test).
No. It is exclusively a noun referring to a specific chemical compound. It does not have standard verb or adjective forms in general usage.
The standard pronunciation stresses the first syllable: /ˈtɒlɪdiːn/ (UK) or /ˈtɑːlɪdiːn/ (US). The 'o' is short, as in 'toll'.
A chemical compound used primarily in laboratory analysis as a reagent for detecting certain substances, especially in colorimetric tests.
Tolidine is usually technical / scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TOOL for testing' + 'idine' (a common ending for chemical compounds like aniline). Tolidine is a TOOL-idine used in chemical tests.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical detective/spy that changes colour to reveal hidden substances.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'tolidine' most likely to be encountered?