from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hydrochloric \Hy`dro*chlo"ric\, a. [Hydro-, 2 + chloric: cf. F.
hydrochlorique.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or compounded of, chlorine and hydrogen gas;
as, hydrochloric acid; chlorhydric.
[1913 Webster]
{Hydrochloric acid} (Chem.), hydrogen chloride; a colorless,
corrosive gas, {HCl}, of pungent, suffocating odor. It is
made in great quantities in the soda process, by the
action of sulphuric acid on common salt. It has a great
affinity for water, and the commercial article is a strong
solution of the gas in water. It is a typical acid, and is
an indispensable agent in commercial and general chemical
work. Called also {muriatic acid} and {chlorhydric acid}.
[1913 Webster]