potassium hydroxide

noun Chemistry.

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.
Also called caustic potash, potassium hydrate.

Origin of potassium hydroxide

First recorded in 1880–85

Words nearby potassium hydroxide

potassium feldspar, potassium ferricyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, potassium fluoride, potassium hydrogen tartrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium iodide, potassium monophosphate, potassium myronate, potassium nitrate, potassium oxalate

British Dictionary definitions for potassium hydroxide

potassium hydroxide

noun

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

Medical definitions for potassium hydroxide

potassium hydroxide

n.

A caustic white solid used as a bleach and in the manufacture of soaps, dyes, and many potassium compounds. potash

Scientific definitions for potassium hydroxide

potassium hydroxide

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.