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

This chemically rearranges seawater molecules (hydrogen, oxygen, and sodium chloride) based on their constituent ions’ charge, resulting in the production of an acid (hydrochloric acid) and a base (sodium hydroxide). —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024

Coffee stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which, if not balanced by some food, can irritate the gastric mucous membranes. —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2025

This selectively rearranges the ions in the water, creating an acid stream (hydrochloric acid) and a base stream (sodium hydroxide). —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024

Instead, firefighters found a crushed container of muriatic acid, a diluted form of hydrochloric acid commonly used for pool maintenance. —Rhiannon Saegert, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydrochloric acid

• antacid
• placid

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