hypochlorous acid

noun

1. a weak, unstable acid, HOCl, existing only in solution and in the form of its salts, used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant.

hypochlorous acid

/ ˌhaɪpəˈklɔːrəs /

noun

1. an unstable acid known only in solution and in the form of its salts, formed when chlorine dissolves in water: a strong oxidizing and bleaching agent. Formula: HOCl

hypochlorous acid

1. A weak, unstable acid occurring only in solution and used as a bleach, oxidizer, deodorant, and disinfectant. Chemical formula: HOCl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypochlorous acid¹

First recorded in 1835–45