lye

[ lahy ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a highly concentrated, aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.
2. any solution resulting from leaching, percolation, or the like.

lye

/ laɪ /

noun

1. any solution obtained by leaching, such as the caustic solution obtained by leaching wood ash
2. a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide

lye

/ lī /

1. A strong alkaline solution or solid of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, made by allowing water to wash through wood ashes. It is used to make soap and drain and oven cleaners. Chemical formula: KOH or NaOH.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lye¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English lie, ley, Old English lēag; cognate with Dutch loog, German Lauge “lye,” Old Norse laug “warm bath”; lave ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lye¹

Old English lēag; related to Middle Dutch lōghe, Old Norse laug bath, Latin lavāre to wash

Example Sentences

That means it’s important to be careful when you’re cooking and working around the house, especially while using strong acids, lye, paint thinner, and gasoline.

From Popular-Science

Another discusses being bathed by her grandmother as a child with lye soap in an effort to lighten her complexion.

From The Daily Beast

Tyrwhitt confuses the matter by quoting Lye, who mixed up this word with tombestere, a female tumbler; for which see Cant.

From Project Gutenberg

Why let our executionsThat lye vpon the father, bee returndVpon the sonne, and we release the body.

From Project Gutenberg

Lye still my toung and bushes, cald my cheekes,That offter thankes in words, for such great deeds.

From Project Gutenberg

Singee a songee sick a pence,Pockee muchee lye; Dozen two time blackee birdCookee in e pie.

From Project Gutenberg

Will you let me lye by her but one hour more, And then hang me?Din.

From Project Gutenberg