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iodine(I)
(IŽo-dīn)
a chemical element, atomic number 53, atomic weight 126.904. Iodine is essential in nutrition, being especially prevalent
in the colloid of the thyroid gland. It is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism and as a topical antiseptic. Iodine is a frequent cause of poisoning (see iodism). Deficiency of iodine causes goiter. Since iodine salts are opaque to x-rays, they can be combined with other compounds and used as contrast media in diagnostic
x-ray examinations of the gallbladder and kidneys.

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