iodine

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the chemical element with atomic number 53, a dark halogen that forms a violet vapor when heated

   Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.

2. 2
   noun

   an iodine-containing antiseptic solution applied to skin or wounds

   The nurse cleaned the cut with iodine before applying a bandage.

From French iode, coined from Greek ioeides, 'violet-colored,' plus the chemical suffix -ine. The name refers to iodine's violet vapor. Humphry Davy established the English form iodine in the early nineteenth century.

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