Halogen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A halogen is a highly reactive nonmetal element in Group 17 of the periodic table, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are commonly used in disinfectants and lighting.
Definition:
Any of the reactive nonmetallic elements in group 17 of the periodic table (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine).
Synonyms:
halide, salt-forming element, reactive element
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
noble gas, inert element
Common Collocations:
halogen lamp, halogen compound, halogen group
Derivatives:
halogenic, halogenate
Usage Tips:
Use "halogen" to refer to elements like chlorine or fluorine that readily form salts with metals and are highly reactive.
Common Phrases:
halogen light bulb, halogen family, halogen displacement reaction
Etymology:
From Greek "hals" (salt) and "gen" (producing), meaning "salt-producing."
Examples:
- 1. Fluorine is the most reactive halogen in the periodic table.
- 2. Halogen lamps are brighter but consume more energy than LEDs.
- 3. Chlorine is a common halogen used to disinfect swimming pools.
- 4. Iodine, a halogen, is essential for thyroid function in humans.