boric acid

American  

noun

1. Also called orthoboric acid. Chemistry, Pharmacology. a white, crystalline acid, H 3 BO 3 , occurring in nature or prepared from borax: used chiefly in the manufacture of ceramics, cements, glass, and enamels, for fireproofing, and in medicine in aqueous solution as a mild antiseptic.

2. Chemistry. any of a group of acids containing boron.

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boric acid British  

noun

1. Systematic name: trioxoboric(III) acid. Also called: orthoboric acid. a white soluble weakly acid crystalline solid used in the manufacture of heat-resistant glass and porcelain enamels, as a fireproofing material, and as a mild antiseptic. Formula: H 3 BO 3

2. any other acid containing boron

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boric acid Scientific  

/ bôr′ĭk /

1. A white or colorless crystalline compound that occurs naturally or is produced artificially from borax. It is used as an antiseptic and preservative, and in cements, enamels, and cosmetics. Chemical formula: H ₃ BO ₃ .

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Etymology

Origin of boric acid

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

boric acid

Each of these samples was split into two, with boric acid added to one set to test whether the preservative would affect results.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 31, 2026

Ideally, the bait should contain only 0.5-1% boric acid.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 29, 2024

Their results indicate that Aqp10.2 in ray-finned fishes may have reduced or lost urea and boric acid permeabilities through evolution.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 21, 2023

Borax and the related boric acid are commonly used in household products including laundry cleaning products, wood preservers, fertilisers, contact lens solution and ant killers.

From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2023

She says I’m getting odd and goes back to the lane and her chat with Mrs. Hannon and I blink and bathe my eyes with the boric acid powder in warm water.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt