hydrazine

noun

hy·​dra·​zine ˈhī-drə-ˌzēn How to pronounce hydrazine (audio)
: a colorless fuming corrosive strongly reducing liquid base N2H4 used especially in fuels for rocket and jet engines
also : an organic base derived from this compound

Examples of hydrazine 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 fuel is marketed as greener, or less toxic, than the usual high-efficiency hydrazine that is perfect for making big maneuvers in space but is dangerous to handle. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 9 June 2026 The breakthrough came from the US Air Force, which had spent years developing a propellant called ASCENT (Advanced SpaceCraft Energetic Non-Toxic propellant) as a greener replacement for hydrazine, a highly toxic chemical traditionally used in spacecraft propulsion. Omar Kardoudi june 05, New Atlas, 5 June 2026 Ranger will carry 4,000 kg of hydrazine propellant on board to enable rapid maneuvering. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026 The crew module has been powered down for recovery, and members of the recovery crew are approaching the capsule and performing a sweep with air quality sensors to make sure no hazardous fumes, such as hydrazine propellant or ammonia coolant, are leaking from the spacecraft. Miles Doran, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hydrazine

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrazine was in 1887

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hydrazine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrazine. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

hydrazine

noun
hy·​dra·​zine ˈhī-drə-ˌzēn How to pronounce hydrazine (audio)
: a colorless fuming liquid used especially in fuels for rocket engines

Medical Definition

hydrazine

noun
hy·​dra·​zine ˈhī-drə-ˌzēn How to pronounce hydrazine (audio)
: a colorless fuming corrosive strongly reducing liquid base N2H4 used in the production of various materials (as pharmaceuticals and plastics)
also : an organic base derived from this compound

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