chlorinate

[klawr-uh-neyt, klohr-]

verb (used with object), chlo·ri·nat·ed, chlo·ri·nat·ing.

Chemistry.

to combine or treat with chlorine.
to introduce chlorine atoms into an organic compound by an addition or substitution reaction.

to disinfect (water) by means of chlorine.

Metallurgy. to treat (a gold ore) with chlorine gas in order that the gold may be removed as a soluble chloride.

Nearby words

Origin of chlorinate

First recorded in 1855–60; chlorine + -ate¹

Related forms

chlo·ri·na·tion, nounchlo·ri·na·tor, nounhy·per·chlo·ri·na·tion, nounpost·chlo·ri·na·tion, adjective

un·chlo·ri·nat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for chlorinated

Similar results can be produced by the addition of chlorinated water to small experimental sand filters.
Chlorination of Water|Joseph Race
In New York city the water has been chlorinated and no single case of typhoid fever has been traced to the supply.
Kelly Miller's History of the World War for Human Rights|Kelly Miller
This chlorinated water should be used for the last sprinkling each day, and at other times plain water should be used.
Let's Use Soybeans|Anonymous
Furthermore, in a chlorinated atmosphere, without oxygen, those lighters burned normally.
Do Unto Others|Mark Clifton

Later on water from even this source had to be chlorinated and the well lost its charm.
The Fifth Battalion Highland Light Infantry in the War 1914-1918|F.L. Morrison

British Dictionary definitions for chlorinated

chlorinate

verb (tr)

to combine or treat (a substance) with chlorine

to disinfect (water) with chlorine

Derived Formschlorination, nounchlorinator, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for chlorinated

chlorinate

1836 (implied in chlorinated), from chlorine (n.) + -ate (2). Related: Chlorinating.

Medicine definitions for chlorinated

chlorinate

[klôr′ə-nāt′]

v.

To treat or combine with chlorine or a chlorine compound.

Related formschlo′ri•na′tion n.

Science definitions for chlorinated

chlorinate

[klôr′ə-nāt′]

To add chlorine or one of its compounds to a substance. Water and sewage are chlorinated to be disinfected, and paper pulp is chlorinated to be bleached.