caustic
n.n. a substance that can burn or damage things it touches. It is often used to describe strong chemicals like bleach or acid.
n. a substance that is capable of burning or corroding living tissue or other organic matter. Often used to describe strong alkalis or acids that cause chemical burns upon contact.
The worker wore thick gloves to handle the caustic cleaner.
The lab safety manual warns that the caustic solution must be diluted before it is poured down the drain.
While the chemical is essential for industrial cleaning, its caustic nature requires strict safety protocols to prevent accidental exposure to the skin or eyes.
From the Latin causticus (“burning”), from Ancient Greek καυστικός (kaustikós, “burning”), from καυστός (kaustós, “burnt”) + -ικός (-ikós).