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

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

This new work builds on earlier studies involving a compound called indazole chloride, which had shown promise in promoting myelin repair and regulating immune responses in mouse models of MS.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 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

It was used in heavy industry to render other compounds like refined gasoline or polyvinyl chloride for plastic pipe production.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin