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hard water

American  

noun

  1. water that contains magnesium, calcium, or iron salts and therefore forms a soap lather with difficulty.


hard water Cultural  
  1. Water in which dissolved minerals make it difficult to produce a lather with soap.


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Hard water is usually associated with well water in regions where the rocks contain a large proportion of iron-bearing minerals.

Example Sentences

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Other plastics, including ones promoted as highly recyclable, such as clear polyethylene bottles, which hold some medications, or hard water bottles, are being recycled at just 16%.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 14, 2026

As they evaporate and refill over time, Beeler said an alkali pool can be distinguished by a white ring — similar to hard water stains — that forms on exposed soil and rocks.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 16, 2023

Gordon: The most accurate test for hard water is to send a sample to an accredited independent laboratory.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 23, 2022

Over time, hard water can also cause problems with your appliances: "Hard water also decays pipes and adds wear and tear to your washer," says Dunphy.

From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2022

She ask about hard water stains and I tell her cream of tartar.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

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