potassium chlorate
noun
: a crystalline salt KClO3 that is used as an oxidizing agent in matches, fireworks, and explosives
Examples of potassium chlorate in a Sentence
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The British home guard stockpiled petrol bombs to use against a potential Nazi invasion, and the Polish army developed a version with sulfuric acid, sugar, and potassium chlorate that ignited upon impact, negating the need for a fuse.
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Liz Webber, Quartz, 25 Feb. 2022
Magnesium carbonate keeps the environment within the canister from becoming too acidic, which could destabilize the potassium chlorate.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 31 May 2020
When ignited, charcoal inside the canister burns, while chemical compounds such as potassium nitrate and potassium chlorate produce oxygen that fuel the fire.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 31 May 2020
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Liz Webber, Quartz, 25 Feb. 2022
Magnesium carbonate keeps the environment within the canister from becoming too acidic, which could destabilize the potassium chlorate.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 31 May 2020
When ignited, charcoal inside the canister burns, while chemical compounds such as potassium nitrate and potassium chlorate produce oxygen that fuel the fire.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 31 May 2020
Cite this Entry
“Potassium chlorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20chlorate. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
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