1. of, relating to, or containing chlorine, especially in a lower oxidation state than in chloric compounds
Usage: chemistry; technical
2. of or relating to chlorous acid or its salts (chlorites)
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• Chlorous acid is a weak acid used in water treatment.
• Sodium chlorite, a chlorous salt, is employed as a bleaching agent.
• The chemist prepared a chlorous compound for the laboratory experiment.
• Chlorous compounds have different properties than chloric compounds.
• The chlorous ion contains chlorine in the +3 oxidation state.