aqua regia

noun

aqua re·​gia ˈä-kwə-ˈrē-j(ē-)ə  ˈa-kwə- 

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

Examples of aqua regia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As well, a 0.5 gram cut from the pulp of each rock sample is dissolved by aqua regia acid digestion and analyzed by mass spectrometry for a suite of 51 additional elements. —Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024

Analytical values for silver, copper, zinc, and lead over detection limits are re-assayed with higher detection limits, using aqua regia digestion. —Kansas City Star, 28 May 2024

Then, the motherboard is smashed to bits and dissolved in a highly acidic aqua regia bath, which is filtered to remove debris. —IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2024

As German troops marched in the streets of Copenhagen, chemist George de Hevesy stashed the medals in aqua regia, an acid strong enough to dissolve gold. —National Geographic, 2 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, royal water

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

aqua regia

noun

aqua re·​gia ˌak-wə-ˈrē-j(ē-)ə  ˌäk- 

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

Medical Definition

aqua regia

noun

aqua re·​gia -ˈrē-j(ē-)ə 

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

called also nitrohydrochloric acid