sodium hypochlorite

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a pale-green, crystalline compound, NaOCl, unstable in air, soluble in cold water, decomposes in hot water: used as a bleaching agent for paper and textiles, in water purification, in household use, and as a fungicide.

sodium hypochlorite

1. An unstable salt that is usually stored in solution and used as a fungicide and an oxidizing bleach. Chemical formula: NaOCl·5H 2 O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium hypochlorite¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The new study examined spore response of three different strains of C. diff to three clinical in-use concentrations of sodium hypochlorite.

From Science Daily

The sodium hypochlorite - or bleach - found in swimming pools can dry it out more, leading to damage.

From BBC

Check the label for its chemical name: sodium hypochlorite.

From Seattle Times

Don’t use cleaners containing acid, alkali or sodium hypochlorite that will mar, etch, corrode or permanently discolor the laminate surface.

From Seattle Times

The chemical name for chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite.

From Washington Post