hypochlorous acid

noun

hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid ˌhī-pə-ˈklȯr-əs- How to pronounce hypochlorous acid (audio)
: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

Examples of hypochlorous acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web What are the benefits of hypochlorous acid for skin? —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024 Does hypochlorous acid work on eczema? Is hypochlorous acid an antifungal? —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024 This spray contains hypochlorous acid and Bora Bora sea salt. —Myranda Mondry, Allure, 4 July 2024 Here’s how hypochlorous acid can help prevent acne in the summer—and beyond. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for hypochlorous acid 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypochlorous acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypochlorous acid was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near hypochlorous acid

hypochlorite

hypochlorous acid

Hypochnaceae

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

hypochlorous acid

noun
hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid -ˌklōr-əs-, -ˌklȯr- How to pronounce hypochlorous acid (audio)
: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

More from Merriam-Webster on hypochlorous acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypochlorous acid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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