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hydrogen peroxide

noun
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Definition of hydrogen peroxide

: an unstable compound H2O2 used especially as an oxidizing and bleaching agent, an antiseptic, and a propellant

Examples of hydrogen peroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These microbes munch on the compounds found in paint, glue, and cellulose (found in paper, canvas, and wood), in turn producing water or hydrogen peroxide as byproducts. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings have unique microbiomes, study finds," 22 Dec. 2020 Whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, which is clinically proven to whiten teeth. — Zoe Malin, NBC News, "New & Notable: Best new products from Away, Beats, June and more," 23 Nov. 2020 Essentially, cleaners have to spray hydrogen peroxide solution (0.5%) in each room, and close it for at least half an hour. — Annalisa Merelli, Quartz, "How to clean a Covid-19 infested White House for the next resident," 7 Nov. 2020 Alcohol, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and a range of other compounds can all kill viruses on contact or shortly after. — Maggie Fox, CNN, "Here's why mouthwash is not going to save you from coronavirus," 17 Nov. 2020 The platinum coating on the microswimmers reacts to a hydrogen peroxide solution they are placed in, and that propels them through the liquid. — Alaa Elassar, CNN, "Scientists 3D print microscopic Star Trek spaceship that moves on its own," 8 Nov. 2020 In a bucket, mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid soap (laundry or dishwashing). — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Take in a senior pet this month," 7 Nov. 2020 The production of hydrogen peroxide, further studies showed, helps people fight off bacteria including E. coli and salmonella. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, "Beyonce, Queen of the Beyhive, Also Has Real Beehives for the Sweetest Reason," 3 Nov. 2020 One of the most effective ways to remove skunk spray is with this DIY mixture: 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup baking soda 1 teaspoon liquid dish-washing soap. — René A. Guzman, ExpressNews.com, "Striped skunks: these little stinkers also help keep pests under control around San Antonio homes and are sweet and docile," 27 Oct. 2020

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

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First Known Use of hydrogen peroxide

1872, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for hydrogen peroxide

Time Traveler

The first known use of hydrogen peroxide was in 1872

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Statistics for hydrogen peroxide

Last Updated

11 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Hydrogen peroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20peroxide. Accessed 16 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for hydrogen peroxide

hydrogen peroxide

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hydrogen peroxide

: a liquid that is used to make things lighter in color or to kill bacteria

See the full definition for hydrogen peroxide in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hydrogen peroxide

noun

Kids Definition of hydrogen peroxide

: a liquid chemical containing hydrogen and oxygen and used for bleaching and as an antiseptic

hydrogen peroxide

noun

Medical Definition of hydrogen peroxide

: an unstable compound H2O2 used especially as an oxidizing and bleaching agent and as an antiseptic

More from Merriam-Webster on hydrogen peroxide

Nglish: Translation of hydrogen peroxide for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrogen peroxide

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