bleaching powder

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white powder that decomposes on contact with water and has the characteristic odor of gaseous chlorine: regarded, when dry, as a mixed calcium hypochlorite-chloride, used as a commercial bleach for wood pulp, textiles, oils, and soaps, and in laundering as a decolorizer and disinfectant.

bleaching powder

noun

1. a white powder with the odour of chlorine, consisting of chlorinated calcium hydroxide with an approximate formula CaCl(OCl).4H 2 O. It is used in solution as a bleaching agent and disinfectant Also calledchloride of limechlorinated lime

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleaching powder¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Place a quarter of an ounce of bleaching powder in a quart bottle containing a pint of water.

From Project Gutenberg

Bleaching powder cannot be used in bleaching animal fibers such as woolen and silk fabrics.

From Project Gutenberg

In times of peace this gas is chiefly used for making bleaching powder.

From Project Gutenberg

Bleaching powder, lime, and picric acid are received by rail.

From Project Gutenberg

"Acagine," a mixture of bleaching powder with fifteen per cent of lead chromate.

From Project Gutenberg