lye

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lye

lye name commonly used for a strongly alkaline solution. It originally meant a solution of potassium carbonate (potash) prepared by leaching wood ashes with water, but now the name also means a solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide . Lye is also used to refer to the undissolved solute. Common household lye is usually sodium hydroxide. Lye should be used with caution as it is caustic and poisonous.

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lye

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

lye / lī/ • n. a strongly alkaline solution, esp. of potassium hydroxide, used for washing or cleansing.

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"lye." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 26 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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"lye." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved November 26, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-lye.html

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