lye Hear it!

lye definition

lye (lī)

noun

  1. Obsolete a strong, alkaline solution obtained by leaching wood ashes
  2. any strongly alkaline substance, usually sodium or potassium hydroxide, used in cleaning, making soap, etc.
  3. any substance obtained by leaching

Etymology: ME lie < OE leag, akin to Ger lauge < IE base *lou-, to lave

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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