fluoridate

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

verb (used with object)

fluoridated, fluoridating 

1. to introduce a fluoride into.

   to fluoridate drinking water.

fluoridate

/ ˈflʊərɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to subject (water) to fluoridation

fluoridate

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

Other Word Forms

• defluoridate verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of fluoridate¹

First recorded in 1945–50; back formation from fluoridation

Example Sentences

About 1.6 million more people will have their water supply fluoridated, the government has confirmed.

From BBC

State and local authorities decide for themselves whether to fluoridate the water supply.

From Los Angeles Times

As of 2012, two-thirds of Americans had access to fluoridated tap water.

From Los Angeles Times

Fluoride - a naturally occurring mineral recognised to protect teeth against decay - is added to water supplies in many countries, including the US, where around 63% of the population have fluoridated water.

From BBC

In England, about one in 10 people has fluoridated drinking water.

From BBC