sodium chlorate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, water-soluble solid, NaClO 3 , cool and salty to the taste, used chiefly in the manufacture of explosives and matches, as a textile mordant, and as an oxidizing and bleaching agent.

sodium chlorate

noun

1. a colourless crystalline soluble compound used as a bleaching agent, weak antiseptic, and weedkiller. Formula: NaClO 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium chlorate¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Some have more than 200 cars and carry hazardous materials such as propane gas, sodium chlorate and sulfuric acid, said Bellefleur, who is among those pushing for the construction of the bypass.

From Seattle Times

While those might sound like ingredients for your bathroom cleaner, barium peroxide is found in fireworks and sodium chlorate is a weed killer.

From Salon

State Department of Ecology and Adams County Emergency Management officials were not informed by Union Pacific of the sodium chlorate spill until March 16 — two days after the derailment.

From Seattle Times

The spill of sodium chlorate, a crystalline chemical used in bleaching paper pulp, happened in one train car that derailed outside the tunnel.

From Washington Times

Union Pacific did not at first realize the sodium chlorate had spilled, and in an initial report said no hazardous cargo had been released, according to McMahan.

From Seattle Times