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Chlorinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chlorinate

[หˆklษ”หrษ™หŒneษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

water treatment

To chlorinate means to add chlorine to water to purify it, making it safe for drinking or recreational purposes. This process is widely used in municipal water supply systems to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Chlorination helps prevent waterborne diseases and ensures that the water meets safety standards. The effectiveness of chlorination depends on the concentration of chlorine and the contact time with the water.

Synonyms

disinfect, purify, sanitize.

Examples of usage

  • They chlorinate the swimming pool regularly.
  • The city will chlorinate the water supply to ensure safety.
  • It's essential to chlorinate drinking water in areas with poor sanitation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Chlorination is a common method of water purification, widely used in municipal water treatment facilities.
  • Adding chlorine to water creates a reaction that kills bacteria and viruses, making it essential for public health.
  • Incorrect chlorination levels can lead to harmful disinfection byproducts that may pose health risks.

Environmental Impact

  • While effective for killing pathogens, chlorination can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems if not managed properly.
  • Certain chlorinated compounds can persist in the environment, leading to concerns about pollution and harm to wildlife.

Pop Culture

  • Chlorination techniques are often referenced in films and television when depicting swimming pools and water quality issues.
  • The process of chlorinating swimming pools has become iconic in popular culture, often linked to summer fun.

Health and Safety

  • Swimming pools are typically chlorinated to prevent waterborne illnesses, making it crucial for public health.
  • Some people develop sensitivities to chlorine, leading to a growing market for alternative swimming pool sanitation methods.

Origin of 'chlorinate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'chloros', meaning 'green', which reflects the greenish color of chlorine gas.
  • It was first used in the early 19th century when chlorine was recognized for its disinfectant properties.

The term 'chlorinate' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the element chlorine, which was discovered by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1774. The name 'chlorine' comes from the Greek word 'chloros', meaning 'greenish-yellow', due to the color of chlorine gas. The introduction of chlorination as a water treatment method became prominent in the early 1900s, especially in response to public health concerns regarding waterborne diseases. As urban populations grew, the need for reliable and safe drinking water sources led to the adoption of chlorination techniques in municipal water systems worldwide. Over the years, the process has evolved to include various forms of chlorine and combinations with other disinfecting agents to improve effectiveness and reduce byproducts.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,511, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.