fluorine /flu·o·rine/ (F) (floor´ēn) a chemical element, at. no. 9.
fluorine (F)
fluorine
fluor·ine (fl r  n , - n, flôr-)n. Symbol F A highly corrosive, toxic, gaseous halogen element. It is a component of many drugs, and its radioisotope is used in functional brain imaging and bone scans. Atomic number 9. |
fluorine (F)
[floo͡r′ēn, flo̅o̅′ərēn]
Etymology: L, fluere, to flow
an element of the halogen family and the most reactive of the nonmetals. Its atomic number is 9, and its atomic mass is 19.00. It occurs in nature only as a component of substances such as fluorspar, cryolite, and phosphate rocks. It can be prepared by the electrolytic decomposition of hydrogen fluoride and in its pure form is a pale yellow toxic gas 1.6 times heavier than air. It is also a component of very stable fluorocarbons used in the manufacture of resins and plastics. As a component of fluorides, it is widely distributed throughout the soils of the earth, enters plants, is ingested by humans, and is absorbed from the GI tract. Fluorides in the atmosphere and industrial dust are absorbed by the lungs and the skin. Relatively soluble compounds, such as sodium fluoride, are almost completely absorbed by humans. The relatively insoluble compounds, such as cryolite, are poorly absorbed. Small amounts of sodium fluoride are added to the water supply of many communities to harden tooth enamel and decrease dental caries. Excessive amounts of fluoride can mottle tooth enamel and cause osteosclerosis. Acute fluoride poisoning and death can result from the accidental ingestion of insecticides and rodenticides containing fluoride salts.
fluorine
(fl
r´ēn),
n an element of the halogen family and the most reactive of the nonmetals. Its atomic number is 9, and its atomic weight is 19. Small amounts of sodium fluoride added to the public water supply will reduce the incidence of dental caries, particularly among children. Excessive amounts of fluoride can mottle tooth enamel and cause osteosclerosis. Acute fluoride poisoning can cause death.
r´ēn), n an element of the halogen family and the most reactive of the nonmetals. Its atomic number is 9, and its atomic weight is 19. Small amounts of sodium fluoride added to the public water supply will reduce the incidence of dental caries, particularly among children. Excessive amounts of fluoride can mottle tooth enamel and cause osteosclerosis. Acute fluoride poisoning can cause death.
fluorine
a chemical element, atomic number 9, atomic weight 18.998, symbol F. See Table 6.
fluorine poisoning
see fluorosis.
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