fluoride

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a compound in which fluorine is combined with a more electropositive element or chemical group

   Calcium fluoride occurs naturally as the mineral fluorite.

2. 2
   noun

   the monatomic negative ion F-, formed when a fluorine atom gains one electron

   In sodium fluoride, each fluoride ion carries a single negative charge.

3. 3
   noun

   a fluoride compound used in dental products or water treatment to help reduce tooth decay

   The toothpaste contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel.

Formed from fluorine + -ide. Fluorine was named through fluorite and fluorspar, ultimately from Latin fluere ("to flow"), because fluorspar served as a flux that helped molten materials flow; -ide marks an anion or the more electronegative part of a compound.

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