Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical element: A nonmetallic element belonging to the halogen group, with the symbol I and atomic number 53. It is a dark, lustrous, crystalline solid that sublimes into a violet-colored gas.
   • An antiseptic solution: A tincture consisting of iodine dissolved in ethyl alcohol, used for disinfecting wounds and skin.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Element):
  • Iodine is an essential nutrient for thyroid function.
  • The color of iodine vapor is a distinctive violet.
• Noun (Antiseptic):
  • The nurse applied iodine to the cut to prevent infection.
  • A bottle of iodine is a common item in a first-aid kit.

Advanced Usage

• "Radioactive iodine": A radioactive isotope of iodine (especially iodine-131) used in medical diagnostics and treatment, particularly for thyroid conditions.
  • The patient underwent radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.

Variants and Related Words

• Iodize (verb): To treat or impregnate with iodine, often referring to salt.
  • Iodized salt helps prevent iodine deficiency.
• Iodide (noun): A compound of iodine with another element or group, especially a salt of hydriodic acid.
  • Potassium iodide is sometimes used as a dietary supplement.

Synonyms

• Antiseptic (for the solution): disinfectant, germicide.
• Element (for the substance): halogen (category).

Related Phrases

• Iodine deficiency: A lack of sufficient iodine in the diet, which can lead to health problems like goiter.
  • Iodine deficiency is a major public health issue in some regions.
• Iodine test: A chemical test using an iodine solution to detect the presence of starch, which turns blue-black.
  • The iodine test confirmed the presence of starch in the potato.

Noun

1. a tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol; applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic
2. 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)