Hydrochloric

/ˌhaɪ.droʊˈklɔr.ɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a strong acid made from hydrogen and chlorine, commonly found in dilute form in stomach acid and used in many industrial processes.

Etymology

From hydro- (water) + chloric (from chlorine, derived from Greek chloros 'green'). Formed in the 19th century when chemists combined the names of its component elements.

Kelly Says

Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid strong enough to dissolve metal, yet your stomach lining survives it because specialized cells constantly secrete protective mucus—it's like your body is running an acid factory safely on the inside!

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