boric acid

noun

1. Also called orthoboric acid. Chemistry, Pharmacology.,  a white, crystalline acid, H 3 BO 3 , occurring in nature or prepared from borax: used chiefly in the manufacture of ceramics, cements, glass, and enamels, for fireproofing, and in medicine in aqueous solution as a mild antiseptic.

2. Chemistry.,  any of a group of acids containing boron.

boric acid

noun

1. Systematic name: trioxoboric(III) acid. Also called: orthoboric acid. a white soluble weakly acid crystalline solid used in the manufacture of heat-resistant glass and porcelain enamels, as a fireproofing material, and as a mild antiseptic. Formula: H 3 BO 3

2. any other acid containing boron

boric acid

1. A white or colorless crystalline compound that occurs naturally or is produced artificially from borax. It is used as an antiseptic and preservative, and in cements, enamels, and cosmetics. Chemical formula: H ₃ BO ₃ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of boric acid¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Some baits contain over 5% boric acid, but this concentration is too high and will kill the ants before they have a chance to return to the nest.

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These intriguing results indicate that water, glycerol, urea, and boric acid permeabilities are plesiomorphic features of Aqp10 water channels in all tetrapods and lobe-finned fish.

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Borax and the related boric acid are commonly used in household products including laundry cleaning products, wood preservers, fertilisers, contact lens solution and ant killers.

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Sugar bait with a toxicant, such as boric acid, typically works well, as many of the ant species that enter homes are sweet-loving ants.

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The standard slime recipe — which dates back to the 1940s, when an engineer dropped boric acid into silicone oil — almost always starts with glue.

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