chlorhexidine
noun
chlor·hex·i·dine klȯr-ˈhek-sə-ˌdīn 
-ˌdēn
: an antibacterial compound C22H30Cl2N10 used as a local antiseptic (as in mouthwash) and disinfectant especially in the form of its hydrochloride, gluconate, or acetate
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web To address bad breath, plaque and gingivitis the ADA recommends looking for chlorhexidine, chlorine dioxide, cetylpyridinium chloride and essential oils such as eucalyptol, thymol and methyl salicylate. 
Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 21 July 2022 But mouthwashes containing ethanol alone, or chlorhexidine (like Corsodyl) didn't have an effect on the virus. Korin Miller, Health.com, 18 Nov. 2020 Alcohol, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and a range of other compounds can all kill viruses on contact or shortly after. Maggie Fox, CNN, 17 Nov. 2020 This should include brushing regularly, flossing (or use interdental brushes or a water flosser), using a fluoride or chlorhexidine mouthwash and keeping a low sugar intake (as the harmful mouth bacteria feed on sugar). Katie Hunt, CNN, 29 July 2020 Be wary of products that rely solely on chlorhexidine, a common antimicrobial that works on many pathogens but appears to leave coronaviruses intact. Katherine J. Wu, Popular Science, 16 Mar. 2020 Some formulations of alcohol and chlorhexidine do not kill them easily, tests have shown, although chlorine does. NBC News, 28 Jan. 2018 Further, Zeichner says that ingredients like propylene glycol, benzene, benzoic acid, and chlorhexidine can potentially cause irritation and even allergic contact dermatitis. Sofia Barrett-ibarria, Allure, 21 Sep. 2018 Some formulations of alcohol and chlorhexidine do not kill them easily, tests have shown, although chlorine does. NBC News, 28 Jan. 2018 See More
Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 21 July 2022 But mouthwashes containing ethanol alone, or chlorhexidine (like Corsodyl) didn't have an effect on the virus. Korin Miller, Health.com, 18 Nov. 2020 Alcohol, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and a range of other compounds can all kill viruses on contact or shortly after. Maggie Fox, CNN, 17 Nov. 2020 This should include brushing regularly, flossing (or use interdental brushes or a water flosser), using a fluoride or chlorhexidine mouthwash and keeping a low sugar intake (as the harmful mouth bacteria feed on sugar). Katie Hunt, CNN, 29 July 2020 Be wary of products that rely solely on chlorhexidine, a common antimicrobial that works on many pathogens but appears to leave coronaviruses intact. Katherine J. Wu, Popular Science, 16 Mar. 2020 Some formulations of alcohol and chlorhexidine do not kill them easily, tests have shown, although chlorine does. NBC News, 28 Jan. 2018 Further, Zeichner says that ingredients like propylene glycol, benzene, benzoic acid, and chlorhexidine can potentially cause irritation and even allergic contact dermatitis. Sofia Barrett-ibarria, Allure, 21 Sep. 2018 Some formulations of alcohol and chlorhexidine do not kill them easily, tests have shown, although chlorine does. NBC News, 28 Jan. 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary chlor- + hex- + -idine
First Known Use
1957, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
chlorhexidine
noun
chlor·hex·i·dine klōr-ˈhek-sə-ˌdīn, klȯr-, -ˌdēn
: an antibacterial compound C22H30Cl2N10 that is a biguanide derivative used as a local antiseptic (as in mouthwash) and disinfectant especially in the form of its hydrochloride, gluconate, or acetate