PoliticsJuly 17, 2026
fluoridation
/ˌflʊərɪˈdeɪʃən/
Definition
The controlled addition of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay.
Etymology
Derived from the chemical element 'fluorine'—ultimately from the Latin 'fluere' (to flow)—combined with the suffix '-ation' to denote a process. The term emerged in the 20th century to describe the public health practice of adjusting fluoride levels in community water.
In the news
The article mentions water fluoridation as an example of a health policy issue that researchers intend to study, alongside other politically sensitive health topics like gender-affirming care.
Political polarization drives surge in anti-vaccine legislation across the US
Read the full article ↗News-Medical