boric acid

noun

bo·ric acid | \ ˈbȯr-ik-\

Definition of boric acid

: a white crystalline acid B(OH)₃ obtained from its salts and used especially as a weak antiseptic and fire-retardant

Examples of boric acid in a Sentence

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It’s applied in the same manner as boric acid, with a manual duster. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Get Rid of Termites," 8 Jan. 2019 The drugs can have too much or too little of an active ingredient, be substandard or expired, or contain poisons and contaminants such as floor wax, mercury, boric acid, paint or antifreeze. — Sumathi Reddy, WSJ, "The Uphill Fight Against Fake Prescription Drugs," 8 Oct. 2018 Mix 1 tablespoon of boric acid powder ($13 for 1 pound, amazon.com) with 1 1/4 cups sugar. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Rid of Ants," 9 May 2018 Yet just like its name suggests, boric acid can extremely dangerous, says Dr. Moore. — Jazmine Polk, Health.com, "Women Are Using Roach Poison to Treat Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis. Here's What Ob-Gyns Say," 6 Feb. 2018 If the pH is off, boric acid suppositories from the natural food store can be helpful. — Monique Judge, The Root, "Stop Sticking Fruit in Your Vagina," 15 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boric acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of boric acid was in 1825

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More Definitions for boric acid

boric acid

noun

bo·ric acid | \ ˈbȯr-ik-\

Kids Definition of boric acid

: a weak acid containing boron used to kill germs

boric acid

noun

Medical Definition of boric acid

: a white crystalline acid H₃BO₃ obtained from its salts and used especially as a weak antiseptic

— called also boracic acid, orthoboric acid

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