Fluosilicate

/ˌfluːəʊˈsɪlɪkeɪt/ noun

Definition

A salt or compound containing fluorine and silicon bonded together, used in toothpaste and industrial applications.

Etymology

Compound of 'fluoro-' (fluorine) and 'silicate' (silicon-oxygen compound), developed in 19th-century chemistry as industrial uses for fluorine expanded.

Kelly Says

Sodium fluosilicate is the fluorine compound in most fluoridated toothpastes, and it's remarkable that a compound with such a technical name was chosen because it's more stable and safer than pure sodium fluoride.

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