hypochlorous acid

noun

hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid ˌhī-pə-ˈklȯr-əs- How to pronounce hypochlorous acid (audio)
: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

Examples of hypochlorous acid in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sonoma continues to focus on marketing its hypochlorous acid products to a broader customer base and highlights its dependence on a few large customers for a significant portion of its sales. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 What are the benefits of hypochlorous acid for skin? —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024 Does hypochlorous acid work on eczema? Is hypochlorous acid an antifungal? —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2024 This spray contains hypochlorous acid and Bora Bora sea salt. —Myranda Mondry, Allure, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for hypochlorous acid 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypochlorous acid was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near hypochlorous acid

hypochlorite

hypochlorous acid

Hypochnaceae

See More Nearby Entries 

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“Hypochlorous acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypochlorous%20acid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

hypochlorous acid

noun
hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid -ˌklōr-əs-, -ˌklȯr- How to pronounce hypochlorous acid (audio)
: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

More from Merriam-Webster on hypochlorous acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypochlorous acid

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