Chem. [f. F. brome, at first also used in Eng. (f. Gr. βρῶμος stink) + -INE; after the analogy of F. chlore, iode, Eng. chlorine, iodine.] One of the non-metallic elements, discovered by Balard in 1826; in its properties and compounds closely resembling Chlorine.
Obtained as a dark reddish-black heavy liquid, with a strong irritating smell (whence its name), and highly poisonous. It freezes at –22° C. to a dark lead-grey solid, and boils at 63°. Symbol Br.
1837. Turner, Elem. Chem., Add. 695. The name first applied to it by its discoverer is muride; but it has since been changed to brome … from the Greek βρῶμος signifying a strong or rank odour. This appellation may in the English language be properly converted into that of Bromine.
a. 1836. Penny Cycl., V. 460/2. Dr. Daubeny has detected bromine in several mineral springs in England.
1875. H. Wood, Therap. (1879), 575. Bromine is one of the most severe, thorough, and rapid of all the caustics.
1876. Harley, Mat. Med., 84. Bromine was discovered … in bittern, the uncrystallisable residue of sea-water.
b. attrib. = BROMIC; of bromine.
1869. Roscoe, Elem. Chem., 119. Bromine Monoxide, is not known, but the corresponding Hypobromous Acid HBrO is.
1885. trans. Ziemssen’s Skin Dis., 469. Bromine Acne differs from Acne Simplex by attacking the hairy parts by preference.
