Lewis acid

noun

Lew·​is acid ˈlü-əs- How to pronounce Lewis acid (audio)
: a substance that is capable of accepting an unshared pair of electrons from a base to form a covalent bond

Examples of Lewis 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.
However, superacids—as their name suggests—are even stronger than the strongest Lewis acid, which is antimony pentafluoride (SbF5). Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 2 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Gilbert N. Lewis †1946 American chemist

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Lewis acid was in 1944

Dictionary Entries Near Lewis acid

Cite this Entry

“Lewis acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lewis%20acid. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Lewis acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!