hydrogen chloride

noun

1. a colorless gas, HCl, having a pungent odor: the anhydride of hydrochloric acid.

hydrogen chloride

noun

1. a colourless pungent corrosive gas obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on sodium chloride: used in making vinyl chloride and other organic chemicals. Formula: HCl
2. an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride; hydrochloric acid

hydrogen chloride

1. A colorless, corrosive, suffocating gas used in making plastics and in many industrial processes. When mixed with water, it forms hydrochloric acid. Chemical formula: HCl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrogen chloride¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Hydrogen chloride, subjected to great pressure at a low temperature, is liquefied.

From Project Gutenberg

A solution of hydrogen chloride in a poorly ionizing medium, like benzene or toluene, is an extremely poor conductor.

From Project Gutenberg

For example, the acid formed by hydrogen and chlorine is termed hydrochloric acid (and sometimes hydrogen chloride).

From Project Gutenberg

On being heated, ammonium chloride dissociates into ammonia and hydrogen chloride.

From Project Gutenberg

In the case of hydrogen bromide and water, and of hydrogen chloride and water, a hydrate, viz.

From Project Gutenberg