potassium hydroxide

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, deliquescent, water-soluble solid, KOH, usually in the form of lumps, sticks, or pellets, that upon solution in water generates heat: used chiefly in the manufacture of soap, as a laboratory reagent, and as a caustic.

potassium hydroxide

noun

1. a white deliquescent alkaline solid used in the manufacture of soap, liquid shampoos, and detergents. Formula: KOH Also calledcaustic potash See also lye

potassium hydroxide

1. A white, corrosive, solid compound used in bleaches and to make soaps and detergents. It is deliquescent, soluble in water and very soluble in alcohol. In solution, it forms lye. Chemical formula: KOH.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium hydroxide¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

An alcoholic solution of the resin was just neutralized with potassium hydroxide.

From Project Gutenberg

Boiling with an excess of potassium hydroxide gave a black substance (tauromelanic acid).

From Project Gutenberg

Lanthanum hydroxide, La(OH)3, is a white amorphous powder formed by precipitating lanthanum salts by potassium hydroxide.

From Project Gutenberg

Now to the etherial solution, add about half its volume of a concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide in methyl alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

This represents in a single equation the action of chlorine on hot, concentrated solutions of potassium hydroxide.

From Project Gutenberg