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

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

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