WordGarden.iohydrochloric
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˌaɪdrəklˈɔːrɪk/
US
Meanings
Adjective
relating to hydrochloric acid or compounds of hydrogen and chlorine
Beyond the definition
This word is usually used to describe a strong acid made from hydrogen chloride in water. You will most often see it in the phrase "hydrochloric acid," which is the acid found in the stomach and also used in labs and industry. It points to something connected with that acid rather than naming a separate thing on its own.
Because the acid is very strong and corrosive, this word often appears in discussions about digestion, cleaning metals, chemical reactions, and lab safety. In everyday English, it is mainly a science word.
This word is an adjective. It describes something related to hydrochloric acid, a strong acid made when hydrogen chloride dissolves in water. Most of the time, you will meet it as part of the phrase "hydrochloric acid," especially in chemistry, medicine, and biology.
In the body, this acid is an important part of stomach juice and helps break down food. In industry, it is used for jobs such as cleaning metal, making chemicals, and processing materials. Because the acid is very corrosive, the word often appears in warnings, lab instructions, and technical writing about safe handling.
The form of the word gives a clue to its meaning: "hydro" points to hydrogen, and "chloric" points to chlorine. Even so, in normal use, learners do not usually use this word by itself. They usually see it describing the acid in phrases about stomach acid, chemical experiments, or industrial processes.
So if you read about hydrochloric fumes, hydrochloric solutions, or hydrochloric acid, the idea is the same: the word signals a connection to this strong, sharp, highly corrosive acid.
Examples
- 1
Digestive system
Too much hydrochloric acid in the stomach can cause a burning feeling after meals.
- 2
Laboratory test
In the lab, we used dilute hydrochloric acid to test the metal sample.
- 3
Cleaning safety
The cleaner contains hydrochloric acid, so you should wear gloves and open a window.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hydrochloric