potassium permanganate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a very dark purple, crystalline, water-soluble solid, KMnO 4 , used chiefly as an oxidizing agent, disinfectant, laboratory reagent, and in medicine as an astringent and antiseptic.

potassium permanganate

noun

1. a dark purple poisonous odourless soluble crystalline solid, used as a bleach, disinfectant, and antiseptic. Formula: KMnO 4 Systematic namepotassium manganate(VII)

potassium permanganate

1. A dark purple crystalline compound used as an oxidizing agent and disinfectant and in deodorizers and dyes. Chemical formula: KMnO 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium permanganate¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Remote-controlled aircraft drop spheres the size of ping-pong balls, filled with two compounds: potassium permanganate and glycol.

From Scientific American

At the same time, the cartels are dealing with global disruptions in the production and importation of precursor chemicals, such as potassium permanganate, that are used in clandestine labs to refine the recreational drug.

From Washington Post

The “dragon egg” system consists of self-igniting plastic spheres filled with potassium permanganate.

From The Guardian

That was the result of a disinfectant called potassium permanganate that leaked into the system, not algae, salt or aliens.

From New York Times

The company stores up to half a million pounds of reactive and toxic potassium permanganate.

From Washington Times