sulfuric acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a clear, colorless to brownish, dense, oily, corrosive, water-miscible liquid, H 2 SO 4 , usually produced from sulfur dioxide: used chiefly in the manufacture of fertilizers, chemicals, explosives, and dyestuffs and in petroleum refining.

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sulfuric acid Scientific  

1. A strong corrosive acid. It combines very easily with water, making it a good drying agent. Sulfuric acid is the most widely used acid in industry. It is used to make detergents, dyes, drugs, explosives, pigments, fertilizers, and many other products. It is also the acid in lead-acid electric batteries. Chemical formula: H ₂ SO ₄ .

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Etymology

Origin of sulfuric acid

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Contributing to supply-side issues, China started restricting its exports of sulfuric acid in May, according to the Wall Street Journal.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Sulfur, which is used to produce sulfuric acid, is a byproduct of the oil-refining process.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Higher sulfuric acid prices could offset any drag from lower treatment and refining charges on Jiangxi, she notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Mosaic withdrew its phosphate production guidance and said it would limit capital expenditures for the year, as surging sulfuric acid prices weigh on its operations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

He poured a little sulfuric acid on the mortar between two bricks.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin