perchloric acid

noun

per·​chlo·​ric acid (ˌ)pər-ˈklȯr-ik- How to pronounce perchloric acid (audio)
: a fuming corrosive strong acid HClO4 that is the most highly oxidized acid of chlorine and a powerful oxidizing agent when heated

Examples of perchloric 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.
One of the containers involved was carrying perchloric acid, which is used in explosives as well as a variety of food and drug products, Tysver said. Josh Funk, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perchloric acid was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near perchloric acid

Cite this Entry

“Perchloric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perchloric%20acid. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

perchloric acid

noun
per·​chlo·​ric acid (ˌ)pər-ˌklōr-ik- How to pronounce perchloric acid (audio)
-ˌklȯr-
: a fuming strong acid that is a powerful oxidizing agent when heated

Medical Definition

perchloric acid

noun
per·​chlo·​ric acid (ˌ)pər-ˌklōr-ik-, -ˌklȯr- How to pronounce perchloric acid (audio)
: a fuming corrosive strong acid HClO4 that is the highest oxyacid of chlorine and a powerful oxidizing agent when heated

More from Merriam-Webster on perchloric acid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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