hydrochloric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​chlo·​ric acid ˌhī-drə-ˈklȯr-ik- 

: an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride HCl that is a strong corrosive irritating acid, is normally present in dilute form in gastric juice, and is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

Examples of hydrochloric acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials at the time warned residents about laze, a nasty mashup of lava and haze that sends hydrochloric acid and volcanic glass particles into the air. —Mitchell McCluskey, CNN, 7 June 2023

The person provided the credit card information that was allegedly used to purchase hydrochloric acid and asked the man to verify what his current card number was, including his expiration date and three-digit CCV number, according to police. —Ellie Willard, The Arizona Republic, 11 Aug. 2023

What’s true is that the substances that give gum its rubbery, endlessly chewable consistency — such as elastomers, waxes, resins and fillers — are largely immune to the body’s various digestive powers, from your teeth and saliva to your stomach’s hydrochloric acid to pancreatic enzymes and bile. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2023

This is primarily due to stomach cells producing hydrochloric acid. —Dr. Michael Daignault, USA TODAY, 28 July 2022

For example, acid drain cleaners usually contain sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid and when the chemicals come in contact with the clog, there is a chemical reaction that releases heat. —Tanya Edwards, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2023

The first step in this conversion process typically entails exposing CBD to an acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023

Experts also added that hydrochloric acid, which is the byproduct of vinyl chloride when it is burned, does not typically get picked up by air currents or create acid rain. —Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 15 Aug. 2023

Common choices for this include sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hydrochloric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​chlo·​ric acid ˌhī-drə-ˌklōr-ik- 

-ˌklȯr-

: a strong acid formed by dissolving hydrogen chloride in water that is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

Medical Definition

hydrochloric acid

noun

hy·​dro·​chlo·​ric acid ˌhī-drə-ˌklōr-ik-, -ˌklȯr- 

: an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride HCl that is a strong corrosive irritating acid, is normally present in dilute form in gastric juice, and is widely used in industry and in the laboratory

called also muriatic acid