potassium chlorate

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white or colorless, crystalline, water-soluble, poisonous solid, KClO 3 , used chiefly as an oxidizing agent in the manufacture of explosives, fireworks, matches, bleaches, and disinfectants.

potassium chlorate

noun

1. a white crystalline soluble substance used in fireworks, matches, and explosives, and as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Formula: KClO 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium chlorate¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

What they found was a silvery substance, which the technicians later told investigators was “consistent with flash powder and aluminum powder and maybe potassium chlorate.”

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The masks release chemicals like barium peroxide, sodium chlorate, and potassium chlorate.

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After class, I went up to Miss Riley’s desk and pointed at the little sack of potassium chlorate.

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The records showed he bought potassium chlorate, aluminum metal and other homemade bomb ingredients, purchases that continued after Wray’s death had made news, they said.

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Named after their creators, the Brock contained potassium chlorate, a flammable liquid, while the Buckingham was filled with phosphorous to act as an incendiary.

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