potassium hydroxide

noun

: a white deliquescent solid KOH that dissolves in water with much heat to form a strongly alkaline and caustic liquid and is used chiefly in making soap and as a reagent

Examples of potassium hydroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a good chance the corrosive chemical (usually potassium hydroxide) that seeped out has damaged the battery terminals. —WIRED, 9 Nov. 2023

Cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are even worse. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023

In their device, two electrodes, separated by a thin film that keeps oxygen and hydrogen apart, are immersed in a concentrated potassium hydroxide electrolyte solution. —IEEE Spectrum, 14 Dec. 2022

This can be achieved by carefully adding a base, such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium hydroxide, to neutralize any excess acidity present in the mixture. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

potassium hydroxide

noun

: a white solid that dissolves in water to form a very alkaline liquid and is used especially in making soap

Medical Definition

potassium hydroxide

noun

: a white deliquescent solid KOH that dissolves in water with much heat to form a strongly alkaline liquid and that is used as a powerful caustic and in the making of pharmaceuticals

called also caustic potash