halogen

American  

[hal-uh-juhn, -jen, hey-luh-] / ˈhæl ə dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn, ˈheɪ lə- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of the electronegative elements, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, bromine, and astatine, that form binary salts by direct union with metals.

---

halogen British  

/ ˈhæləˌdʒɛn, həˈlɒdʒɪnəs /

noun

1. any of the chemical elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are all monovalent and readily form negative ions

---

halogen Scientific  

/ hăl′ə-jən /

1. Any of a group of five nonmetallic elements with similar properties. The halogens are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Because they are missing an electron from their outermost shell, they react readily with most metals to form salts.

2. See Periodic Table

---

Other Word Forms

• halogenoid adjective
• halogenous adjective

Etymology

Origin of halogen

First recorded in 1835–45; halo- + -gen

Compare meaning

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

• halide vs. halogen

Example Sentences

Researchers also found that halogens interact with oil field emissions to form free radicals, which later become more stable compounds capable of traveling long distances.

From Science Daily

The housing for halogen bulbs is not compatible with LED bulbs, and a retrofitted car will not pass its annual MOT check-up.

From BBC

When illuminated by the microscope's halogen lamp and analyzed through a spectrometer, the light separates into different wavelengths.

From Science Daily

A team from France and Germany has now studied the rapid decay of molecules containing halogens.

From Science Daily

Understanding the distinctive and highly directional nature of halogen bonds is crucial for crystal engineering and studying photoinduced structural deformations, which is key for the development of innovative photo-functional materials.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• bleach
• disinfectant