bromine

American  

[broh-meen, -min] / ˈbroʊ min, -mɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. an element that is a dark-reddish, fuming, toxic liquid and a member of the halogen family: obtained from natural brines and ocean water, and used chiefly in the manufacture of gasoline antiknock compounds, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. Br; 79.909; 35; 3.119 at 20°C.

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bromine British  

/ ˈbrəʊmiːn, -mɪn /

noun

1. a pungent dark red volatile liquid element of the halogen series that occurs in natural brine and is used in the production of chemicals, esp ethylene dibromide. Symbol: Br; atomic no: 35; atomic wt: 79.904; valency: 1, 3, 5, or 7; relative density 3.12; density (gas): 7.59 kg/m³; melting pt: –7.2°C; boiling pt: 58.78°C

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bromine Scientific  

/ brō′mēn /

1. A reddish-brown volatile element of the halogen group found in compounds occurring in ocean water. The pure form is a nonmetallic liquid that gives off a highly irritating vapor. It is used to make dyes, sedatives, and photographic film. Atomic weight 79.904; atomic number 35; melting point 7.2°C; boiling point 58.78°C; specific gravity 3.12; valence 1, 3, 5, 7.

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of bromine

1827; < French brome bromine (< Greek brômos stench) + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Bromine is also an important part of these complex processes, and Israel and Jordan are major producers.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Bromine rapidly removes ozone from the boundary layer, allowing more sunlight to reach the surface.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2025

Bromine is less common than chlorine, and less reactive.

From Nature • Sep. 1, 2020

Bromine is important in the production of certain dyes, and sodium and potassium bromides are used as sedatives.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Bromine reacts with violence, a gas again being explosively evolved and hydrobromic acid formed.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 841, February 13, 1892 by Various