potassium hydroxide

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, deliquescent, water-soluble solid, KOH, usually in the form of lumps, sticks, or pellets, that upon solution in water generates heat: used chiefly in the manufacture of soap, as a laboratory reagent, and as a caustic.

potassium hydroxide

noun

1. a white deliquescent alkaline solid used in the manufacture of soap, liquid shampoos, and detergents. Formula: KOH Also calledcaustic potash See also lye

potassium hydroxide

1. A white, corrosive, solid compound used in bleaches and to make soaps and detergents. It is deliquescent, soluble in water and very soluble in alcohol. In solution, it forms lye. Chemical formula: KOH.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium hydroxide¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

In standard zinc-air cells, the electrolyte is a high-pH substance, containing ingredients like potassium hydroxide.

From Science News

An alcoholic solution of the resin was just neutralized with potassium hydroxide.

From Project Gutenberg

Boiling with an excess of potassium hydroxide gave a black substance (tauromelanic acid).

From Project Gutenberg

Lanthanum hydroxide, La(OH)3, is a white amorphous powder formed by precipitating lanthanum salts by potassium hydroxide.

From Project Gutenberg

Now to the etherial solution, add about half its volume of a concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide in methyl alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

This represents in a single equation the action of chlorine on hot, concentrated solutions of potassium hydroxide.

From Project Gutenberg