1. the process of introducing fluorine or fluorine compounds into a substance, especially the addition of fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay
Usage: commonly used in public health and chemistry contexts
2. a chemical reaction in which fluorine atoms are added to an organic molecule
Usage: technical; used in organic chemistry and pharmaceutical manufacturing

Examples

• Water fluorination has been shown to reduce cavities in children by up to 25 percent.
• The city council voted to approve fluorination of the municipal water supply.
• Fluorination of pharmaceutical compounds can improve their stability and effectiveness.
• Many countries have implemented fluorination programs as a public health measure.
• The chemist performed fluorination on the organic compound to create a new drug candidate.