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

The natural oils are then mixed with either potassium hydroxide to create a liquid soap or sodium hydroxide to create a solid soap. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 May 2025

Economically, Oxy happens to be the nation’s biggest maker of potassium hydroxide. —Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The scientists proceeded to mix ferric nitrate with potassium hydroxide, creating a hard iron oxide mineral called nanocrystalline ferrihydrite, which occurs naturally in soil and water. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 29 Apr. 2025

Unlike Carbon Engineering, which relies on potassium hydroxide and fossil fuels to complete the CO₂ release step, Holocene’s chemistry is designed for electric heating. —Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potassium hydroxide

• monoxide
• tetroxide

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