chloride

chloride /chlo·ride/ (klor´id) a salt of hydrochloric acid; any binary compound of chlorine in which the latter is the negative element.

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chlo·ride (klôrd)

n.

A binary compound of chlorine.

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chlo·ridic (kl-rdk) adj.

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chloride

1. a salt of hydrochloric acid; any binary compound of chlorine.

2. the principal anion in extracellular fluid and gastric juice.

Because of its domination of the anions in extracellular and intravascular fluid, it has profound importance for acid-base balance and for the regulation of osmotic pressure in these fluid compartments.

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chloride pump

an active secretory process at a barrier membrane that facilitates the transfer of chloride ions across the membrane.

chloride shift

diffusion of chloride ions from the plasma into the erythrocytes to compensate for the loss of bicarbonate ions from the cells as a result of carbon dioxide metabolism. Called also Hamburger shift.