# hydrochloric

/hˌaɪdɹəklˈɔːɹɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hydrochloric
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

relating to a strong acid made from hydrogen and chlorine. You see it most often in the phrase hydrochloric acid, the clear liquid used in labs and also found in your stomach to help digest food.

For teachers: containing or derived from hydrogen chloride, most commonly in the compound hydrochloric acid (HCl), a strong corrosive mineral acid. Typically appears attributively before 'acid' in laboratory, industrial, and physiological contexts.

## Examples

- Your stomach uses hydrochloric acid to digest food.
- The teacher adds hydrochloric acid to the test tube to show how it reacts with metal.
- Although diluted hydrochloric acid occurs naturally in gastric juice, the concentrated laboratory form requires careful handling because its fumes can damage eyes and lungs.

## Usage notes

- Almost always used in the phrase 'hydrochloric acid'; typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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