ClimateAugust 31, 2026

polyfluoride

POL-ee-FLOO-er-ide

Definition

A chemical compound containing multiple fluorine atoms, frequently used in the context of the persistent synthetic substances known as PFAS.

Etymology

The word is formed from the Greek prefix 'poly-', meaning 'many', and 'fluoride', derived from the Latin 'fluere' (to flow) because fluorine-containing minerals were once used as fluxes to promote melting.

In the news

The term is used by the expert in the article to categorize PFAS as polyfluoride compounds, helping to explain the chemical nature of these persistent environmental contaminants.

Forever Chemicals, Finite Timelines: A Different Approach to PFAS Remediation

Read the full article ↗

The Environment Journal

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