fluoride

American  

[floor-ahyd, flawr-, flohr-] / ˈflʊər aɪd, ˈflɔr-, ˈfloʊr- /

noun

Chemistry.

• fluorides
  plural

1. a salt of hydrofluoric acid consisting of two elements, one of which is fluorine, as sodium fluoride, NaF.

2. a compound containing fluorine, as methyl fluoride, CH 3 F.

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fluoride British  

/ ˈflʊəˌraɪd /

noun

1. any salt of hydrofluoric acid, containing the fluoride ion, F ^–

2. any compound containing fluorine, such as methyl fluoride

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fluoride Scientific  

/ flr′īd′ /

1. A compound containing fluorine and another element or radical. Fluorine combines readily with nearly all the other elements, except the noble gases, to form fluorides. In some countries, fluoride is added to the drinking water as a preventive measure against tooth decay.

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fluoride Cultural  

1. Any of a number of naturally occurring compounds of the element fluorine. Fluorides have been found to be effective in preventing tooth decay and are routinely added to drinking water in most jurisdictions.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• fluorides
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of fluoride

First recorded in 1820–30; fluor- + -ide ( def. )

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Compare meaning

How does fluoride compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fluorine vs. fluoride

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Explanation

Fluoride is that ingredient in toothpaste that keeps tooth enamel strong and helps prevent cavities. Small amounts of fluoride are also present in tap water and certain foods and beverages. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral widely recognized for its oral health benefits. Fluoride is often added to toothpaste and mouthwash to help prevent tooth decay by making the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. That’s why some communities add it to their water supply systems: Regular exposure to fluoride is generally considered important in maintaining oral hygiene. Fluoride is also found in tea, seafood, and some fruits and vegetables. Now that’s toothsome!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fluoride fluorides

One major advantage of the new lithium fluoride detectors is that they simplify the process of examining radiation tracks.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 28, 2026

The results showed that a solution containing 38% silver diamine fluoride successfully stopped decay in more than half of the affected baby teeth when treatment was provided at six month intervals.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

Silver helps combat bacteria associated with tooth decay, while fluoride helps strengthen the mineral structure of teeth and resist further damage.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

When thermal runaway starts, the process can continue for days, with the potential for batteries to release toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and carbon monoxide.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

My fluoride theory is pretty much out the window.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Sulfoximines, sulfonimidoyl fluorides and sulfonimidamides are types of sulfur-containing chemical compounds that have wide-ranging potential as therapeutic drugs.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 22, 2024

The xenon fluorides are the best characterized as the starting materials for a few other noble gas compounds.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

Such wastes as chlorides, chlorates, salts of phosphonic acid, fluorides, and arsenic had been discharged from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal during the years of its operation by the Army Chemical Corps.

From The New Yorker ● Jan. 3, 2017

Some of it contains high amounts of fluorides, arsenic or chlorides.

From New York Times ● Apr. 21, 2011

Chlorides, chlorates, salts of phosphonic acid, fluorides, and arsenic had been discharged from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal into holding ponds during the years of its operation.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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