# chloride

/ˈkɫɔɹaɪd/ (US) · /klˈɔːɹaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chloride
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. chemical compound

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a substance made when chlorine combines with another chemical element.

For teachers: a binary compound of chlorine with another element or radical, typically a salt formed by the action of hydrochloric acid.

- Sodium chloride is the scientific name for the common salt we use in cooking.
- The chemist analyzed the sample to determine the concentration of magnesium chloride present in the industrial runoff.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun in a chemical context, but can be uncountable when referring to the substance generally.

### 2. the ion

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a chlorine atom that has a negative charge.

For teachers: the anionic form of chlorine (Cl⁻), which is a major electrolyte found in all body fluids.

- The doctor checked the level of chloride in the patient's blood test.
- Chloride channels in the cell membrane play a crucial role in maintaining the electrical balance of the nervous system.

## Examples

- Table salt is a common chloride compound.
- The lab report listed high chloride levels in the water sample.
- Sodium chloride dissolves readily in water, dissociating into positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions that conduct electricity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.