potassium hydroxide

noun

: a white deliquescent solid KOH that dissolves in water with much heat to form a strongly alkaline and caustic liquid and is used chiefly in making soap and as a reagent

Examples of potassium hydroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two years ago, California legalized a green alternative to cremation using water and potassium hydroxide to dissolve bodies within three hours. —Collin Blinder, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025

Finally, the resultant structure was coated in potassium hydroxide, which washes away less stable structures and leaves behind thousands of microscopic pores. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 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

There’s a good chance the corrosive chemical (usually potassium hydroxide) that seeped out has damaged the battery terminals. —WIRED, 9 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potassium hydroxide

• monoxide
• tetroxide

Kids Definition

potassium hydroxide

noun

: a white solid that dissolves in water to form a very alkaline liquid and is used especially in making soap

Medical Definition

potassium hydroxide

noun

: a white deliquescent solid KOH that dissolves in water with much heat to form a strongly alkaline liquid and that is used as a powerful caustic and in the making of pharmaceuticals

called also caustic potash