boric acid
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. Any of various acids containing boron and oxygen: A general term for inorganic acids composed of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. 2. A specific white or colorless slightly acid solid: A common chemical compound (H₃BO₃) that is soluble in water and ethanol, used widely in industry and as an antiseptic.
Usage Examples
- The laboratory uses boric acid in several of its chemical processes.
- For minor eye irritations, a very dilute solution of boric acid can be used as a wash.
- Boric acid acts as a flame retardant in some materials.
Advanced Usage
- In Chemistry: The term can refer to different compounds like orthoboric acid (H₃BO₃) and metaboric acid (HBO₂), which are part of a larger family of boron-oxygen acids.
- As a Precursor: Boric acid is often a starting material for producing other boron compounds.
Variants and Related Words
- Boracic Acid: An older, synonymous term for boric acid.
- Orthoboric Acid: The specific name for the most common form, H₃BO₃.
- Borax: A related sodium borate compound, often used similarly.
Synonyms
- Hydrogen borate
- Boracic acid (archaic)
Notes on Meaning
The primary meaning in common usage is the specific compound orthoboric acid (H₃BO₃). The more general chemical definition ("any of various acids...") is primarily used in scientific contexts.
Noun
- any of various acids containing boron and oxygen
- a white or colorless slightly acid solid that is soluble in water and ethanol; used in the manufacture of glass and paper and adhesives and in detergents and as a flux in welding; also used as an antiseptic and food preservative