lye

American  

[lahy] / laɪ /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a highly concentrated, aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.

2. any solution resulting from leaching, percolation, or the like.

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lye British  

/ laɪ /

noun

1. any solution obtained by leaching, such as the caustic solution obtained by leaching wood ash

2. a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide

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lye Scientific  

/ lī /

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of lye

First recorded before 900; Middle English lie, ley, Old English lēag; cognate with Dutch loog, German Lauge “lye,” Old Norse laug “warm bath”; lave ¹

Example Sentences

The process uses hot water mixed with an alkaline lye solution, so it’s more environmentally friendly than standard cremation, and usually more expensive.

From Los Angeles Times

The prohibition against soap comes from a time when all soap was made with lye, which could eat through a patina in minutes.

From Seattle Times

Something you’ll see somewhat less in the U.S. is curing with lye, the method behind lutefisk and century eggs.

From Salon

The operator watched as the intruder clicked into various software programs before landing on a function that controls the amount of sodium hydroxide, or lye, in the plant’s water system.

From Los Angeles Times

Traditional pretzels are dipped in a lye solution to give them that quintessential pretzel tang and gorgeous color — but this fun home-baking project relies instead upon baking soda.

From Seattle Times