Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical compound: A colorless, viscous liquid with the chemical formula H₂O₂. It is a powerful oxidizing agent, meaning it readily gives up oxygen.
   • A bleaching and disinfecting agent: Commonly used in diluted aqueous (water-based) solutions for its bleaching properties (e.g., for hair or textiles) and its mild antiseptic or disinfectant qualities.
   • A rocket propellant oxidizer: In high concentrations, it can be used as a source of oxygen to support combustion in rocket engines.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Diluted hydrogen peroxide is often used to clean minor cuts and scrapes.
  • Some people use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash, but dentists advise caution.
  • The laboratory stored the concentrated hydrogen peroxide in a special, vented container due to its instability.

Advanced Usage

• "Food-grade hydrogen peroxide": Refers to a specific, highly purified concentration (often 35%) sold for purposes like food preservation or cleaning food surfaces. It is extremely dangerous if not properly diluted.
• "Catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide": A common science experiment where a catalyst (like manganese dioxide) is added to a solution of hydrogen peroxide, causing it to rapidly break down into water and oxygen gas.

Variants and Related Words

• Peroxide (noun/verb): Often used as a shortened, informal term for hydrogen peroxide, especially in the context of hair bleaching (e.g., "She peroxided her hair").
• H₂O₂: The chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide.
• Oxidizing agent (noun): A general term for a substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons; this is the primary chemical property of hydrogen peroxide.

Synonyms

• H₂O₂ (Chemical formula synonym)
• Peroxide solution (When referring to its common diluted form)

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Hydrogen peroxide solution: Specifies that it is dissolved in water, which is its typical form for consumer use.
• Concentrated hydrogen peroxide: Refers to the strong, unstable form used in industrial or propulsion applications.
• To disinfect with hydrogen peroxide: Describes its common use as an antiseptic.

Noun

1. a viscous liquid with strong oxidizing properties; a powerful bleaching agent; also used (in aqueous solutions) as a mild disinfectant and (in strong concentrations) as an oxidant in rocket fuels