chlorinated
KLOR-uh-nay-ted
/ˈclɔːrɪneɪtɪd/
Treated or combined with chlorine, especially to kill bacteria in water.
Usually refers to the smell or chemical state of swimming pool water.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Greek 'chloros', meaning pale green, which is the color of chlorine gas. It has been used to disinfect water since the late 19th century.
Word relationships
- treated: A more general term for water that has had chemicals added.
- unfiltered: Water that has not been cleaned or treated.
Commonly confused with
- saline: Saline pools use salt instead of direct chlorine to stay clean.
Word family
- chlorine (noun): The chemical element used for disinfection.
Collocations
- chlorinated water
- chlorinated pool
- heavily chlorinated
Example sentences
- "Shower after swimming to remove the chlorinated water from your skin." Health advice
- "The pool is heavily chlorinated during the summer months to ensure hygiene." Facility management
Memory hook
'Chlorine' makes the pool 'clean'. Pool chemicals.
When not to use
Don't use for natural bodies of water like lakes or oceans unless they have been contaminated.
Fun facts
- Chlorine itself doesn't have a strong smell; the 'pool smell' is actually caused by chlorine reacting with sweat and oils.
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