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

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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 Cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are even worse. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023 In their device, two electrodes, separated by a thin film that keeps oxygen and hydrogen apart, are immersed in a concentrated potassium hydroxide electrolyte solution. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for potassium hydroxide 

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium hydroxide was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near potassium hydroxide

Cite this Entry

“Potassium hydroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20hydroxide. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

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