Main Entry:

lye

Pronunciation:

\ˈlī\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English lēag; akin to Old High German louga lye, Latin lavare, lavere to wash, Greek louein

Date:

before 12th century

1: a strong alkaline liquor rich in potassium carbonate leached from wood ashes and used especially in making soap and for washing ; broadly : a strong alkaline solution (as of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide)2: a solid caustic (as sodium hydroxide)