oxalic acid

noun

ox·​al·​ic acid (ˌ)äk-ˈsa-lik- How to pronounce oxalic acid (audio)
: a poisonous strong acid (COOH)2 or H2C2O4 that occurs in various plants (such as spinach) as oxalates and is used especially as a bleaching or cleaning agent and as a chemical intermediate

Examples of oxalic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
For stubborn stains, try using an oxalic acid cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2024 Doing so reduces oxalic acid, a compound that can inhibit the absorption of minerals. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024 The decline of oxalic acid is a common biomarker associated with sleep loss. Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 25 Jan. 2024 This powder is highly abrasive, using oxalic acid to remove rust, tarnish, mineral deposits, and stains from most materials. Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 14 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for oxalic acid 

Word History

Etymology

French (acide) oxalique, from Latin oxalis

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxalic acid was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near oxalic acid

Cite this Entry

“Oxalic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxalic%20acid. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

oxalic acid

noun
ox·​al·​ic acid (ˌ)äk-ˌsal-ik- How to pronounce oxalic acid (audio)
: a poisonous strong acid (COOH)2 or H2C2O4 that occurs in various plants as oxalates and is used especially as a bleaching or cleaning agent and as a chemical intermediate

More from Merriam-Webster on oxalic acid

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