Chloramine

/ˈklɔːrəmiːn/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound created when chlorine mixes with ammonia, used to disinfect water and kill bacteria.

Etymology

From chlor- (chlorine) + amine (from ammonia). First produced as a byproduct of chlorination but now used intentionally for water treatment.

Kelly Says

Your tap water is probably disinfected by chloramine, not pure chlorine—it's safer and lasts longer in pipes, which is why water companies switched to it!

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