A compound containing one of the halogens (fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I)) and another element or organic group. Halides have the general formula M_xX_y, where M is a metal or organic group and X is a halogen. Halides are composed of almost every element in the periodic table, and they are referred to as fluorides, chlorides, bromides, or iodides.