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Chlorinating: meaning, definitions and examples

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chlorinating

 

[ klɔːrΙͺneΙͺtΙͺΕ‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

water treatment

Chlorinating is the process of adding chlorine to water to disinfect it and kill harmful microorganisms. This method is commonly used in municipal water supplies and swimming pools to ensure safety and hygiene. Chlorinating helps to prevent waterborne diseases by effectively eliminating bacteria and viruses.

Synonyms

disinfecting, purifying, sanitizing

Examples of usage

  • The city is chlorinating its water supply to improve safety.
  • Make sure the pool is chlorinating properly before swimming.
  • Chlorinating the drinking water is essential for public health.

Word origin

The term 'chlorinating' comes from the word 'chlorine,' which is derived from the Greek word 'chloros', meaning 'greenish-yellow'. Chlorine was discovered in 1774 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, and its use for water treatment began in the late 19th century, particularly after the observation of its effectiveness in killing pathogens. The process of chlorination has significantly contributed to improved public health by reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Over the years, various chlorination methods have been developed and refined to optimize disinfection while minimizing the formation of harmful byproducts. Today, chlorination remains a widely used and effective method for water treatment across the globe.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,957, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.