: a white crystalline compound that consists of a hydrated sodium borate Na2B4O7·10H2O, that occurs as a mineral or is prepared from other minerals, and that is used especially as a flux, cleansing agent, and water softener, as a preservative, and as a fireproofing agent
: cheap shoddy merchandise
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What are the Uses of borax?
A borate of sodium that occurs as a soft, light, colorless crystalline mineral, borax has a wide variety of uses. It can be used as a component of glass and pottery glazes in the ceramics industry, as a solvent in metallurgy, as a flux in welding and soldering, and as a fertilizer additive, a soap supplement, a disinfectant, a mouthwash, and a water softener. About 50 percent of the world’s supply comes from southern Californian deserts, including Death Valley.
Examples of borax in a Sentence
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Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Treat Tough Stains Combine one tablespoon of borax to two tablespoons of water to create a paste.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024
Mix together 1 cup oxygen bleach, 1/2 cup borax, and 2 Tbsp. dish detergent in 1 gallon water.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024
In addition to nitrate, the territory contains guano, copper, silver and tin and deposits of salt and borax.
—Edwin M. Borchard, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2011
See all Example Sentences for borax 
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Noun
To make an eraser sponge: Mix warm water, baking soda, and borax until dissolved together.
—Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Treat Tough Stains Combine one tablespoon of borax to two tablespoons of water to create a paste.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2024
Mix together 1 cup oxygen bleach, 1/2 cup borax, and 2 Tbsp. dish detergent in 1 gallon water.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024
In addition to nitrate, the territory contains guano, copper, silver and tin and deposits of salt and borax.
—Edwin M. Borchard, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2011
See all Example Sentences for borax
Dictionary Entries Near borax
Cite this Entry
“Borax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borax. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
borax
noun
bo·rax
ˈbō(ə)r-ˌaks 
ˈbȯ(ə)r-
ˈbȯ(ə)r-
-əks
: a white crystalline compound that consists of a hydrated sodium borate Na2B4O7·10H2O, that occurs as a mineral or is prepared from other minerals, and that is used especially as a flux, cleansing agent, and water softener and as a preservative
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