noun
iodine
EYE-uh-dyne/ˈaɪədaɪn/
A chemical element needed by the body to make thyroid hormones.
The sealed glass vial holds iodine, an element the body needs.
Etymology
The violet-colored root names the vapor released when iodine crystals are heated. The chemical suffix places that color-based name alongside element names such as chlorine.
In context
iodine does permanently stain anything that it comes into contact with. So iodine is also used after surgery to help wounds to heal
More examples
- The thyroid gland uses iodine to make hormones.
- Iodized salt provides iodine in many people's diets.
- Getting too little iodine can cause thyroid problems.
Forms
iodine
iodized adjective — Treated with iodine or an iodine compound.