hypochlorous acid

noun

hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid ˌhī-pə-ˈklȯr-əs- 

: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

Examples of hypochlorous acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sonoma continues to focus on marketing its hypochlorous acid products to a broader customer base and highlights its dependence on a few large customers for a significant portion of its sales. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024

What are the benefits of hypochlorous acid for skin? —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024

Does hypochlorous acid work on eczema? Is hypochlorous acid an antifungal? —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024

This spray contains hypochlorous acid and Bora Bora sea salt. —Myranda Mondry, Allure, 4 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hypochlorous acid

noun

hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid -ˌklōr-əs-, -ˌklȯr- 

: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent