sodium hydroxide

noun

: a white brittle solid NaOH that is a strong caustic base used especially in making soap, rayon, and paper

Examples of sodium hydroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The substance is found in products such as brake linings and gaskets and is used to manufacture chlorine bleach and sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, including some that is used for water purification. —Matthew Daly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024

The American Chemistry Council, the chemical industry’s largest lobbying group, said a 15-year transition period is needed to avoid a significant disruption of chlorine and sodium hydroxide supplies. —Matthew Daly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024

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

For Christmas before his 7th birthday, Heman was given a chemistry set that came with a sample of sodium hydroxide. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sodium hydroxide

noun

: a white brittle solid that is strongly alkaline and is used especially in making soap, rayon, and paper

Medical Definition

sodium hydroxide

noun

: a white brittle deliquescent solid NaOH that dissolves readily in water to form a strongly alkaline and caustic solution and that is used in pharmacy as an alkalizing agent

called also caustic soda