bromine Chem.
(ˈbrəʊmɪn, -aɪn)
[f. F. brome, at first also used in Eng. (f. Gr. βρῶµος stink) + -ine; after the analogy of F. chlore, iode, Eng. chlorine, iodine.]
One of the non-metallic elements, discovered by Balard in 1826; in its properties and compounds closely resembling Chlorine.
Obtained as a dark reddish-black heavy liquid, with a strong irritating smell (whence its name), and highly poisonous. It freezes at -22° C. to a dark lead-grey solid, and boils at 63°. Symbol Br.
| 1827 Turner Elem. Chem. Add. 695 The name first applied to it by its discoverer is muride; but it has since been changed to brome..from the Greek βρῶµος signifying a strong or rank odour. This appellation may in the English language be properly converted into that of Bromine. a 1836 Penny Cycl. V. 460/2 Dr. Daubeny has detected bromine in several mineral springs in England. 1875 H. Wood Therap. (1879) 575 Bromine is one of the most severe, thorough, and rapid of all the caustics. 1876 Harley Mat. Med. 84 Bromine was discovered..in bittern, the uncrystallisable residue of sea-water. |
b. attrib. = bromic; of bromine.
| 1869 Roscoe Elem. Chem. 119 Bromine Monoxide, is not known, but the corresponding Hypobromous Acid HBrO is. 1885 tr. Ziemssen's Skin Dis. 469 Bromine Acne differs from Acne Simplex by attacking the hairy parts by preference. |