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 ]