iodine
ahy uh dahyn
- n a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
- n a tincture consisting of a solution of iodine in ethyl alcohol; applied topically to wounds as an antiseptic
- TREATMENT: radioactive iodine, phosphorus and gold are effective in half a dozen diseases, though in no more.
- The established theory is that goiter is due to lack of iodine in food drink.
- In some places iodine is found in natural salt deposits as an "impurity.