hypochlorous acid

noun

hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid ˌhī-pə-ˈklȯr-əs- How to pronounce hypochlorous acid (audio)
: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

Examples of hypochlorous acid in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the first product and the only product that’s in every door is the hypochlorous acid spray. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026 This hypochlorous acid spray is pretty much the only remedy—a few spritzes after a flight or during a long travel day revive my decrepit skin. — Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026 The same is true for hypochlorous acid sprays, which are anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. — Julia Landwehr, Health, 5 June 2026 Not to be confused with sodium hypochlorite in household bleach, hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that can be safely used on the skin and that destroys an array of harmful microbes by attacking cell walls. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypochlorous acid

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypochlorous acid was in 1841

Rhymes for hypochlorous acid

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Browse Nearby Words

hypochlorite
hypochlorous acid
Hypochnaceae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypochlorous acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypochlorous%20acid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hypochlorous acid

noun
hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid -ˌklōr-əs-, -ˌklȯr- How to pronounce hypochlorous acid (audio)
: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

More from Merriam-Webster on hypochlorous acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypochlorous acid

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