bromide

American  

[broh-mahyd, broh-mid] / ˈbroʊ maɪd, ˈbroʊ mɪd /

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.

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bromide British  

/ 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

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bromide Scientific  

/ brō′mīd′ /

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

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Other Word Forms

• subbromide
  noun

Etymology

Origin of bromide

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

Explanation

A bromide is a common saying or proverb that is obvious and not that helpful, like "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Some people love to say things like "Follow your dreams" and "Love takes hard work." Such trite, clichéd sayings are bromides. A bromide isn't very helpful or specific, and people tend to say them over and over again. The word bromide comes from the chemical compound made of the element bromine and another metal. This kind of bromide was historically used as a sedative, a medicine that dulls your senses, just as figurative bromides are boring and dull.

Example Sentences

These include Bromide Plus, for the respiratory and immune system, aiding in hormone health and detoxification, and Vento, meant to target oxygenation and circulation.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2022

But the Seahawks don’t believe that sentiment is at cross-purposes with fans’ desire to Let Russ Cook, to resurrect a tired phrase that deserves to be retired to the Bromide Resting Home.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2021

Bromide belongs to the same group as chloride, and so there is always the risk of halide cracking of susceptible steels.

From Reuters • Sep. 5, 2013

Bromide is another chemical compound that is naturally seen in seawater.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2012

Bromide of Gold--Is readily prepared by adding a little bromide to the brown gold of the assayers, and allowing it to remain some time under water, or assisting its action by a gentle heat.

From American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype by Humphrey, S. D. (Samuel Dwight)

Related Words

• cliché