hydrofluoric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​flu·​or·​ic acid ˌhī-drō-ˈflȯr-ik  -ˈflu̇r- 

: an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride HF that is a weak poisonous acid, that attacks silica and silicates, and that is used especially in finishing and etching glass

Examples of hydrofluoric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In March, roughly 300 gallons of potassium hydroxide spilled at the facility, followed days later by news of a hydrofluoric acid leak. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2026

Yes, the Xenomorph circulatory system is filled with a lethal, extremely melty cocktail of sulphuric and hydrofluoric acid. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025

In 2018, the company leaked hundreds of gallons of hydrofluoric acid into a nearby river basin. — Tommy Greene, WIRED, 1 Oct. 2024

The polymer can be burned off, but this releases carbon monoxide, hydrofluoric acid, and other harmful pollutants. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydrofluoric acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

hydrofluoric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​flu·​or·​ic acid ˌhī-drō-flu̇-ˌȯr-ik-  -flu̇-ˌär-ik- 

: a weak poisonous acid that is formed by dissolving hydrogen fluoride in water

Medical Definition

hydrofluoric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​flu·​or·​ic acid -ˌflu̇r-ik-  -ˌflōr- 

-ˌflȯr-

: an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride HF that is a weak poisonous acid, that resembles hydrochloric acid chemically but attacks silica and silicates, and that is used especially in finishing and etching glass