3 syllables: Io, di, ne. Stress on Io.
EYE-uh-deyen
/ˈaɪəˌdaɪn/
Iodine is pronounced EYE-uh-deyen (/ˈaɪəˌdaɪn/). It has three syllables (Io-di-ne), with the stress on "Io". Iodine is a chemical element, a nonmetal used in medicine, nutrition, and photography. In everyday chemistry and biology contexts, it refers to the element with symbol I and atomic number 53. The word is pronounced with three syllables and typically stresses the first syllable in English, though some contexts may show variable stress patterns in specialized discourse.
nounIodine is a chemical element, a nonmetal used in medicine, nutrition, and photography. In everyday chemistry and biology contexts, it refers to the element with symbol I and atomic number 53. The word is pronounced with three syllables and typically stresses the first syllable in English, though some contexts may show variable stress patterns in specialized discourse.
"The doctor ordered a test that measures iodine levels in your blood."
"Iodine is essential for thyroid function, but excessive intake can be harmful."
"She added iodine to the solution to prevent contamination."
You say IO-dine, three syllables: /ˈaɪ.əˌdaɪn/ or /ˈaɪ.əˌdiːn/ depending on accent. The stress sits on the first syllable. Start with /aɪ/ as in eye, move to a schwa-like /ə/ in the second syllable, and finish with /daɪn/ or /diːn/ depending on the speaker. In careful speech, you’ll clearly enunciate the /di/ portion before the final /n/. Audio references include standard dictionaries and YouTube pronunciation channels.
Common mistakes include misplacing stress (saying i-O-dine) and mispronouncing the final vowel as /ɪ/ or /ɪən/ instead of /aɪn/. Some speakers shorten the word to /ˈaɪdɪn/ or /ˈaɪəˌdin/ without z-delaying the second syllable. To correct: keep the middle syllable as a light /ə/ or /ɪə/ and ensure the final nucleus is /aɪn/ rather than /ən/. Practice the three distinct segments IO- /ˈaɪə/ and final /daɪn/ for precise articulation.
In US, UK, and AU accents, you’ll find /ˈaɪ.əˌdaɪn/ with slight vowel quality differences: US may have a flatter /ˈaɪ.ə/ and a tighter /daɪn/, UK often shows a crisper /ˈaɪ.əˌdaɪn/ with subtle /ɒ/ to /ɒi/ interplay; AU tends toward a diphthongization that sounds a touch broader on the first syllable and a more centralized second syllable. Regardless, the primary stress on the first syllable remains stable. Note the final /aɪn/ can be pronounced as /ən/ in casual speech.
The difficulty stems from the two consecutive vowel sounds in the middle syllable and the final dental-alveolar nasal blend /n/. The middle syllable can shift from /ˈaɪə/ to /ˈaɪɪ/ in rapid speech, and the final nucleus /aɪn/ is often reduced in fast talkers to /ən/. Also, some listeners expect /ˈaɪ.oʊ.daɪn/ or /ˈaɪɪdaɪn/ due to spelling. Focus on keeping the three clear syllables and the final /aɪn/ for accurate, intelligible pronunciation.
A distinctive feature is the combination of the i-d sequence: IO-dine with the I pronounced as /aɪ/ and the second syllable hinging on a reduced vowel /ə/ or /ɪə/ followed by /daɪn/. The spelling reflects the two i's and the -ine suffix that signals a noun for an element. In careful speech, avoid conflating the /ə/ with /iː/ and keep the final nucleus crisp: /aɪn/.
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The word iodine comes from the Greek word iodes meaning violet or purple, reflecting the purple vapor of iodine crystals when heated. The term was adopted in the early 19th century after Bernard Courtois discovered elemental iodine in 1811 while extracting sodium and potassium compounds from seaweed ash. The element’s identification as a distinct nonmetal with unique violet vapor led to the Latinized form iodinum and later iodide for its ionic forms. In English, iodine established a stable pronunciation in the 19th century, with three-syllable articulation common in scientific and medical discourse. The evolution of the meaning tracked with broader chemistry and biology usage, including thyroid physiology (iodine’s role in hormones), nutrition (iodized salt), and industrial applications (staining and antiseptics). The term’s spelling reflects its Greek roots, while pronunciation stabilized around three syllables with initial stress on the first syllable in standard English.
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Words that rhyme with "Iodine"
-ine sounds
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