boric acid

noun

bo·​ric acid ˈbȯr-ik- 

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

Successful treatment involves knowing where the roaches are active and will come in contact with the boric acid. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 June 2025

For safety, keep borax away from pets and small children, and never sprinkle borax or boric acid directly on ant hills or in garden beds. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025

Boric Acid Unlike many ant baits and traps, boric acid or borax is approved for organic gardens, and it can be used to kill ant colonies and their queen. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025

The group worked their way through borax, boric acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, copper sulfate, and saltpeter– among other things. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

boron

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for boric acid

• antacid
• placid

Kids Definition

boric acid

noun

bo·​ric acid

ˌbōr-ik-,

ˌbȯr-

: a white boron-containing weak acid that is used as a mild antiseptic

Medical Definition

boric acid

noun

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

called also boracic acid, orthoboric acid