ferric chloride

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a compound that in its anhydrous form, FeCl 3 , occurs as a black-brown, water-soluble solid; in its hydrated form, FeCl 3 ⋅xH 2 O, it occurs in orange-yellow, deliquescent crystals: used chiefly in engraving, for deodorizing sewage, as a mordant, and in medicine as an astringent and styptic.

---

Etymology

Origin of ferric chloride

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Chloride levels in the river water accelerated lead corrosion, which worsened when the treatment plant added ferric chloride to remove contaminants.

From Nature

Last September, waste containing sodium hydroxide and ferric chloride - used to flush etching tanks at one of Los Alamos’ key sites for explosives testing - was documented as a strong basic solution, with a pH of less than 12.5.

From Washington Times

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says state inspectors conducted a review of the PWSA’s main treatment plant along the Allegheny River on Jan. 6 that discovered that the facility was using ferric chloride and caustic soda as coagulating agents in place of lime.

From Washington Times

Its maker, Grace Manufacturing of Russellville, Ark., originally specialized in etching steel parts for computer printers, using ferric chloride to produce edges so sharp that drops of blood were a regular sighting on the factory floor.

From New York Times

Footage from locals captures the cloud, which included nitric acid and ferric chloride, causing the cloud's bright colour.

From BBC