hydrochloric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​chlo·​ric acid ˌhī-drə-ˈklȯr-ik- How to pronounce hydrochloric acid (audio)
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride HCl that is a strong corrosive irritating acid, is normally present in dilute form in gastric juice, and is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

Examples of hydrochloric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coffee stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which, if not balanced by some food, can irritate the gastric mucous membranes. Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2025 This selectively rearranges the ions in the water, creating an acid stream (hydrochloric acid) and a base stream (sodium hydroxide). IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024 Instead, firefighters found a crushed container of muriatic acid, a diluted form of hydrochloric acid commonly used for pool maintenance. Rhiannon Saegert, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2025 Of the 170 cars in the train that were not derailed, at least one carried hydrochloric acid, according to Wehmeyer. Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 24 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hydrochloric acid

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrochloric acid was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Hydrochloric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrochloric%20acid. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

hydrochloric acid

noun
hy·​dro·​chlo·​ric acid ˌhī-drə-ˌklōr-ik- How to pronounce hydrochloric acid (audio)
-ˌklȯr-
: a strong acid formed by dissolving hydrogen chloride in water that is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

Medical Definition

hydrochloric acid

noun
hy·​dro·​chlo·​ric acid ˌhī-drə-ˌklōr-ik-, -ˌklȯr- How to pronounce hydrochloric acid (audio)
: an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride HCl that is a strong corrosive irritating acid, is normally present in dilute form in gastric juice, and is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

called also muriatic acid

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