aqua regia

noun

aqua re·gia ˈä-kwə-ˈrē-j(ē-)ə

ˈa-kwə-

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

Examples of aqua regia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As German troops marched in the streets of Copenhagen, chemist George de Hevesy stashed the medals in aqua regia, an acid strong enough to dissolve gold. —

National Geographic, 2 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aqua regia.' 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

New Latin, literally, royal water

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of aqua regia was in 1617

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Aqua regia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aqua%20regia. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

aqua regia

noun

aqua re·gia ˌak-wə-ˈrē-j(ē-)ə

ˌäk-

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

Medical Definition

aqua regia

noun

aqua re·gia -ˈrē-j(ē-)ə

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

called also nitrohydrochloric acid

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

intrepid

Listen to the pronunciation of intrepid

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!