chlorinate

verb

chlo·​ri·​nate ˈklȯr-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce chlorinate (audio)
chlorinated; chlorinating

transitive verb

: to treat or combine with chlorine or a chlorine compound
chlorination noun
chlorinator noun

Examples of chlorinate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most cake flour is also chlorinated, adds Messer, which is a treatment that weakens the gluten-forming proteins even further and allows the flour to absorb more liquid and sugar. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 22 July 2025 By disrupting immune function and generating free radicals, which damage tissues, cells, and DNA, chlorinated solvents create conditions that allow cancers of all types to develop more readily and potentially spread. Air Mail, 10 May 2025 For those with patience to keep them free of debris and properly chlorinated (or, more realistically, the funds to hire someone), there’s probably just enough time to close on one of these homes before a mid-season heat wave. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 28 Apr. 2025 The most common types of microplastic seen in the birds' lungs were chlorinated polyethylene—which is used, for example, to insulate pipes and wires—and butadiene rubber, a synthetic material used in the manufacture of tires. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chlorinate

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorinate was in 1855

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chlorinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorinate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

chlorinate

verb
chlo·​ri·​nate ˈklōr-ə-ˌnāt How to pronounce chlorinate (audio)
ˈklȯr-
chlorinated; chlorinating
: to treat or cause to combine with chlorine or a chlorine compound
chlorination noun
chlorinator noun

Medical Definition

chlorinate

transitive verb
chlo·​ri·​nate ˈklōr-ə-ˌnāt, ˈklȯr- How to pronounce chlorinate (audio)
chlorinated; chlorinating
: to treat or cause to combine with chlorine or a chlorine compound

More from Merriam-Webster on chlorinate

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