chloride

American  

[klawr-ahyd, -id, klohr-] / ˈklɔr aɪd, -ɪd, ˈkloʊr- /

noun

1. a salt of hydrochloric acid consisting of two elements, one of which is chlorine, as sodium chloride, NaCl.

2. a compound containing chlorine, as methyl chloride, CH 3 Cl.

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chloride British  

/ kləˈrɪdɪk, ˈklɔːraɪd /

noun

1. any salt of hydrochloric acid, containing the chloride ion Cl ^–

2. any compound containing a chlorine atom, such as methyl chloride (chloromethane), CH 3 Cl

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chloride Scientific  

/ klôr′īd′ /

1. A compound, such as ammonium chloride, containing chlorine and another element or radical.

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Other Word Forms

• chloridic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chloride

First recorded in 1805–15; chlor- ² + -ide ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does chloride compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• chlorine vs. chloride

Example Sentences

At the same time, a graphite electrode extracted chloride ions in a process known as electrochemical desalination.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

Customers are increasingly being lured by brands like TimberTech, which dispense with wood altogether in favor of polyvinyl chloride patterned to resemble mahogany, teak, or hickory.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

If magnesium is combined with chloride, it is recommended for muscle tension and pre-menstrual cramps, while citrate and oxide blends are aimed at digestion and help with constipation.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

Centers for Disease Control says chloroethane, which is also called ethyl chloride, is a colorless gas with a sharp odor that can also exist as a quick-evaporating liquid.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2025

“Question. In sodium chloride, which element has the negative charge?”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera