The definition of lye is an alkaline solution that is often a mix of potassium or hydroxide or sodium which is generally used for cleaning.
(noun)A strongly alkaline solution used to make soap is an example oflye.
See lye in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
Origin: ME lie < OE leag, akin to Ger lauge < IE base *lou-, to lave
See lye in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Origin:
Origin: Middle English lie
Origin: , from Old English lēag; see leu(ə)- in Indo-European roots
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