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

The two compounds, sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid, can create deadly chlorine gas if mixed. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026

At the acidic end of the spectrum, battery acid registers at 0, while hydrochloric acid is 1, and lemon juice and vinegar are about a 2 on the pH scale. — Elaine K. Howley, Outside, 2 Dec. 2025

Until now, wastewaters were neutralized with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid before discharge. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

Today, there are ways the food production world speeds up the process without fermentation through chemical production by mixing the soybeans with hydrochloric acid, which breaks down the proteins in the soybeans. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026

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