What does iodize mean?
To iodize something is to introduce iodine into it. The most familiar application is the treatment of table salt with a small, controlled amount of iodine, producing iodized salt. This practice helps supply iodine, an essential mineral needed for normal thyroid function, and has reduced the incidence of iodine deficiency and disorders such as goiter in regions where it is widely used. The verb can also have more specialized technical meanings, including the treatment of a material with iodine for disinfection or use in chemical processing. The word is chiefly used in American English, while British English more commonly spells it “iodise.”
verbTo treat something with iodine or an iodine compound, especially to add iodine to salt for nutritional or preservative purposes.
- To add iodine or an iodine compound to a substance, especially salt.
- To treat a material with iodine for purposes such as disinfection, sterilization, or chemical processing.
"The manufacturer iodizes the salt to help prevent iodine deficiency."
"Many manufacturers iodize table salt to provide consumers with a regular source of iodine."
"The solution is iodized before being applied to the affected area."
Iodized salt helped make iodine deficiency a rare problem in many countries, helping protect thyroid health and preventing goiter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does iodize come from?
“Iodize” was formed in the 19th century from “iodine” and the suffix “-ize,” meaning to treat with or introduce iodine. The base word “iodine” in turn comes from Greek iōdē, meaning “violet,” referring to the characteristic colour of iodine vapour. The related forms “iodide” and “iodinate” belong to the same chemical vocabulary.
Related word forms
How iodize is actually used
In general usage, “iodize” most often refers to adding iodine to salt. In specialized technical contexts, it can mean to introduce iodine into another substance for chemical or medical purposes. The spelling is chiefly American; British English generally uses “iodise.”