Word Study
iodine
CIDE DICTIONARY
iodine, n. [Gr. 'iw`dhs violetlike; 'i`on a violet + e'i^dos form: cf. F. iode, iodine. The name was given from the violet color of its vapor. See Violet, Idyl.].
A nonmetallic element, of the halogen group of atomic number 53, occurring always in combination, as in the iodides. When isolated it is in the form of dark gray metallic scales, resembling plumbago, soft but brittle, and emitting a chlorinelike odor. Symbol I. Atomic weight 126.90. If heated, iodine volatilizes in beautiful violet vapors. [1913 Webster]
" Iodine was formerly obtained from the ashes of seaweed (kelp or varec), but is now also extracted from certain natural brines. In the free state, iodine, even in very minute quantities, colors starch blue. Iodine and its compounds are largely used in medicine (as in liniments, antisyphilitics, etc.), in photography, in the preparation of aniline dyes, and as an indicator in titration." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
iodine, n.
1 Chem. a non-metallic element of the halogen group, forming black crystals and a violet vapour, used in medicine and photography, and important as an essential element for living organisms.
1 Chem. a non-metallic element of the halogen group, forming black crystals and a violet vapour, used in medicine and photography, and important as an essential element for living organisms.
Usage
Symb.: I.
2 a solution of this in alcohol used as a mild antiseptic.
2 a solution of this in alcohol used as a mild antiseptic.
Etymology
F iode f. Gk iodes violet-like f. ion violet + -INE(4)
THESAURUS
iodine
Argyrol, Mercurochrome, Merthiolate, Salol, alcohol, boric acid, calomel, camphor, carbolic acid, chloramine, cresol, gentian violet, gramicidin, hexachloraphene, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, phenol, phenyl salicylate, resorcinol, silver vitellin, thimerosal, thymol, tincture of iodineFor further exploring for "iodine" in Webster Dictionary Online