potassium hydroxide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, deliquescent, water-soluble solid, KOH, usually in the form of lumps, sticks, or pellets, that upon solution in water generates heat: used chiefly in the manufacture of soap, as a laboratory reagent, and as a caustic.

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potassium hydroxide British  

noun

1. Also called: caustic potash.  a white deliquescent alkaline solid used in the manufacture of soap, liquid shampoos, and detergents. Formula: KOH See also lye

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potassium hydroxide Scientific  

1. A white, corrosive, solid compound used in bleaches and to make soaps and detergents. It is deliquescent, soluble in water and very soluble in alcohol. In solution, it forms lye. Chemical formula: KOH.

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Etymology

Origin of potassium hydroxide

First recorded in 1880–85

Compare meaning

How does potassium-hydroxide compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• potassium hydroxide vs. sodium hydroxide

Example Sentences

The conversion system loses efficiency as byproducts of the reaction such as potassium hydroxide begin forming on the copper catalyst.

From Science Daily

Using cobalt hydroxide and lithium hydroxide as starting materials, with sodium or potassium hydroxide as an additive, the team conducted a series of high-precision experiments under varying conditions to synthesize layered LiCoO2 crystals.

From Science Daily

The process, known as resomation, uses a mix of potassium hydroxide and water to break down human remains in what is billed as a more sustainable option.

From BBC

In these batteries, a water-based electrolyte spiked with potassium hydroxide or another alkaline material separates a zinc anode and a cathode made of other conductive materials, often porous carbon.

From Science Magazine

Documents say the commercial product is drawn from the Las Vegas-area municipal water supply, filtered and processed with potassium hydroxide, commonly called lye, the chemical potassium bicarbonate and a mineral salt, magnesium chloride.

From Seattle Times