ferric chloride

noun

: a deliquescent dark salt FeCl₃ that readily hydrates to the yellow-orange form and that is used especially for etching, in sewage treatment, and as an astringent

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ferric chloride

noun

: a deliquescent salt FeCl₃ that is used chiefly as an oxidizing agent, as a catalyst, as an etching agent in photoengraving, as a coagulant in treating industrial wastes, and in medicine in a water solution or tincture usually as an astringent or styptic