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potassium hydroxide
noun
: a white deliquescent solid KOH that dissolves in water with much heat to form a strongly alkaline and caustic liquid and is used chiefly in making soap and as a reagent
Examples of potassium hydroxide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The natural oils are then mixed with either potassium hydroxide to create a liquid soap or sodium hydroxide to create a solid soap.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2024
There’s a good chance the corrosive chemical (usually potassium hydroxide) that seeped out has damaged the battery terminals.
—WIRED, 9 Nov. 2023
Cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are even worse.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023
In their device, two electrodes, separated by a thin film that keeps oxygen and hydrogen apart, are immersed in a concentrated potassium hydroxide electrolyte solution.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2022
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Word History
First Known Use
1866, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium hydroxide was
in 1866
Dictionary Entries Near potassium hydroxide
Cite this Entry
“Potassium hydroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20hydroxide. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
potassium hydroxide
noun
: a white solid that dissolves in water to form a very alkaline liquid and is used especially in making soap
Medical Definition
potassium hydroxide
noun
: a white deliquescent solid KOH that dissolves in water with much heat to form a strongly alkaline liquid and that is used as a powerful caustic and in the making of pharmaceuticals
called also caustic potash
More from Merriam-Webster on potassium hydroxide
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potassium hydroxide
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