Noun: iodine 'I-u,dIn or 'I-u-d(u)n [N. Amer], 'I-u,deen [Brit]
- A nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
"Iodine, atomic number 53, is essential for proper thyroid function";
- I, atomic number 53
- A tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol; applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic
"The nurse applied tincture of iodine to clean the small cut";
- tincture of iodine
Derived forms: iodines
Type of: antiseptic, chemical element, element, halogen, tincture
Part of: brine, saltwater, seawater
Encyclopedia: Iodine