This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
lye
[ lahy ]
/ laɪ /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Chemistry.
a highly concentrated, aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.
any solution resulting from leaching, percolation, or the like.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
Origin of lye
before 900; Middle English lie, ley,Old English lēag; cognate with Dutch loog,German Lauge lye, Old Norse laug warm bath. See lave1
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH lye
lie, lyeWords nearby lye
lyddite, Lydgate, Lydia, Lydian, Lydian mode, lye, lyefish, lye hominy, Lyell, Lyell, Charles, Lyell's disease
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use lye in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for lye
lye
/ (laɪ) /
noun
any solution obtained by leaching, such as the caustic solution obtained by leaching wood ash
a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide
Word Origin for lye
Old English lēag; related to Middle Dutch lōghe, Old Norse laug bath, Latin lavāre to wash
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for lye
lye
[ lī ]
A strong alkaline solution or solid of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, made by allowing water to wash through wood ashes. It is used to make soap and drain and oven cleaners. Chemical formula: KOH or NaOH.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.