hydrofluoric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​flu·​or·​ic acid ˌhī-drō-ˈflȯr-ik How to pronounce hydrofluoric acid (audio) -ˈflu̇r- How to pronounce hydrofluoric acid (audio)
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride HF that is a weak poisonous acid, that attacks silica and silicates, and that is used especially in finishing and etching glass

Examples of hydrofluoric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In 2018, the company leaked hundreds of gallons of hydrofluoric acid into a nearby river basin. Tommy Greene, WIRED, 1 Oct. 2024 The polymer can be burned off, but this releases carbon monoxide, hydrofluoric acid, and other harmful pollutants. IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2024 Removing them typically involves toxic reagents such as hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, or sodium hydroxide. IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2024 Battery production and processing of battery materials in China is often energy-intensive and in the case of critical minerals such as graphite, uses environmentally harmful chemicals including hydrofluoric acid. Henry Sanderson, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hydrofluoric acid 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrofluoric acid was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near hydrofluoric acid

Cite this Entry

“Hydrofluoric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrofluoric%20acid. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hydrofluoric acid

noun
hy·​dro·​flu·​or·​ic acid ˌhī-drō-flu̇-ˌȯr-ik- How to pronounce hydrofluoric acid (audio) -flu̇-ˌär-ik- How to pronounce hydrofluoric acid (audio)
: a weak poisonous acid that is formed by dissolving hydrogen fluoride in water

Medical Definition

hydrofluoric acid

noun
hy·​dro·​flu·​or·​ic acid -ˌflu̇r-ik- How to pronounce hydrofluoric acid (audio) -ˌflōr- How to pronounce hydrofluoric acid (audio)
-ˌflȯr-
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride HF that is a weak poisonous acid, that resembles hydrochloric acid chemically but attacks silica and silicates, and that is used especially in finishing and etching glass

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrofluoric acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!