borax

1 of 2

noun (1)

bo·​rax ˈbȯr-ˌaks  -əks 

: a white crystalline compound that consists of a hydrated sodium borate Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O, that occurs as a mineral or is prepared from other minerals, and that is used especially as a flux, cleansing agent, and water softener, as a preservative, and as a fireproofing agent

borax

2 of 2

noun (2)

: cheap shoddy merchandise

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What are the Uses of borax?

A borate of sodium that occurs as a soft, light, colorless crystalline mineral, borax has a wide variety of uses. It can be used as a component of glass and pottery glazes in the ceramics industry, as a solvent in metallurgy, as a flux in welding and soldering, and as a fertilizer additive, a soap supplement, a disinfectant, a mouthwash, and a water softener. About 50 percent of the world’s supply comes from southern Californian deserts, including Death Valley.

Examples of borax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To make your own baits, mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 3 tablespoons each of sugar and water. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 June 2026

For liquid bait, mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 2 tablespoons of sugar in 1 cup of warm water. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 10 June 2026

Sprinkle borax into the toilet bowl, focusing on stained areas. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

Pour in a bait mixture made with 1½ cups of water, ½ cup of sugar or peanut butter, and 1½ tablespoons of borax. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English boras, from Anglo-French boreis, from Medieval Latin borac-, borax, from Arabic būraq, from Persian būrah

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for borax

• attacks
• backpacks
• beeswax
• callbacks
• carfax
• climax
• cutbacks
• drawbacks
• feedbacks
• flashbacks
• greenbacks
• haystacks

Kids Definition

borax

noun

bo·​rax

ˈbō(ə)r-ˌaks, 

ˈbȯ(ə)r-

: a borate of sodium that occurs as a mineral and is used in agricultural chemicals, as a cleansing agent, and as a water softener

Medical Definition

borax

noun

bo·​rax ˈbō(ə)r-ˌaks  ˈbȯ(ə)r- 

-əks

: a white crystalline compound that consists of a hydrated sodium borate Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O, that occurs as a mineral or is prepared from other minerals, and that is used especially as a flux, cleansing agent, and water softener and as a preservative