hydrofluoric acid

noun hy·dro·flu·or·ic acid \ ˌhī-drō-ˈflȯr-ik , -ˈflu̇r- \

|Updated on: 29 Jun 2018

Definition of hydrofluoric acid

: an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride HF that is a weak poisonous acid, that attacks silica and silicates, and that is used especially in finishing and etching glass

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Recent Examples of hydrofluoric acid from the Web

Lava produces toxic gases including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrofluoric acid, according to Earth Magazine.

— don sweeney, sacbee, "Please don’t take selfies with the deadly molten lava, Hawaii authorities ask," 20 June 2018
Fire crews poured cold water all day Thursday on a storage tank containing hydrofluoric acid at the refinery.

— don behm, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "No oil or asphalt from Superior refinery overflowed to waterways in wake of explosions and fires," 27 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of hydrofluoric acid

International Scientific Vocabulary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1830

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

hydrofluoric acid

noun hy·dro·flu·or·ic acid \ -ˌflu̇r-ik- , -ˌflōr- , -ˌflȯr- \

medical Definition of hydrofluoric acid

: an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride HF that is a weak poisonous acid, that resembles hydrochloric acid chemically but attacks silica and silicates, and that is used especially in finishing and etching glass