potassium chlorate

American  

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.

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potassium chlorate British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of potassium chlorate

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.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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.

From Seattle Times

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

From BBC

These chemicals were mainly ammonium-nitrate fertilizer or potassium chlorate shipped from China for use in Pakistan’s match industry and then smuggled across the border.

From The Wall Street Journal