fluoridate

[ floor-i-deyt, flawr-, flohr- ]

verb (used with object)

, fluor·i·dat·ed, fluor·i·dat·ing.

1. to introduce a fluoride into:

   to fluoridate drinking water.

fluoridate

/ ˈflʊərɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to subject (water) to fluoridation

fluoridate

/ flr′ĭ-dāt′ /

1. To add fluorine or a fluoride to something, especially to drinking water in order to prevent tooth decay.

Other Words From

• de·fluori·date verb (used with object) defluoridated defluoridating

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluoridate¹

First recorded in 1945–50; back formation from fluoridation

Example Sentences

As a means of preventing tooth decay in those cities that do fluoridate, the practice certainly looks like a success.

From The Daily Beast

Dental leaders barnstormed the state, and cities began to fluoridate.

From The Daily Beast