potassium chlorate

noun

: a crystalline salt KClO3 that is used as an oxidizing agent in matches, fireworks, and explosives

Examples of potassium chlorate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The conclave that elected the late Pope Francis used a combination of potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin to create white smoke, which appears to have solved the visibility problem. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 May 2025 The conclave used a combination of potassium chlorate, lactose, and chloroform resin to create the white smoke. Greta Cross, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2013 The British home guard stockpiled petrol bombs to use against a potential Nazi invasion, and the Polish army developed a version with sulfuric acid, sugar, and potassium chlorate that ignited upon impact, negating the need for a fuse. Liz Webber, Quartz, 25 Feb. 2022 Magnesium carbonate keeps the environment within the canister from becoming too acidic, which could destabilize the potassium chlorate. Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 31 May 2020 When ignited, charcoal inside the canister burns, while chemical compounds such as potassium nitrate and potassium chlorate produce oxygen that fuel the fire. Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 31 May 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium chlorate was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Potassium chlorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20chlorate. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

potassium chlorate

noun
-ˈklō(ə)r-ˌāt,
-ˈklȯ(ə)r-
: a salt used to supply oxygen for matches, fireworks, and explosives

Medical Definition

potassium chlorate

noun
: a crystalline salt KClO3 with a cooling saline taste that is used especially in veterinary medicine as a mild astringent (as in the treatment of stomatitis)
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