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.

Origin of chlorinate

First recorded in 1855–60; chlorine + -ate¹

Other words from chlorinate

chlo·ri·na·tion, noun
chlo·ri·na·tor, noun
hy·per·chlo·ri·na·tion, noun
post·chlo·ri·na·tion, adjective
un·chlo·ri·nat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use chlorinate in a sentence

Dejecta should be covered with fresh chlorinated lime, one part to two of water.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine | Austin Malley
It may also be made from benzene without converting it into phenol thus: The benzene is chlorinated and gives chlorbenzene.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia | Various
“Sure, I know,” Brad acknowledged, easing his body snake-fashion down the pool wall into the chlorinated water.
Dan Carter and the River Camp | Mildred A. Wirt
Or, if the material stained is white linen or cotton try chlorinated soda.
The Library of Work and Play: Housekeeping | Elizabeth Hale Gilman
The coffee tasted like quinine, since the water to be found was so bad that it had to be strongly chlorinated.
Battery E in France | Frederic R. Kilner

British Dictionary definitions for chlorinate

chlorinate

/ (ˈklɔːrɪˌneɪt) /

verb(tr)

to combine or treat (a substance) with chlorine
to disinfect (water) with chlorine

Derived forms of chlorinate

chlorination, noun
chlorinator, 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

Scientific definitions for chlorinate

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.

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