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Chemistry vocabulary · Laboratory Safety

Corrosive

Meaning in chemistry, with examples

/kəˈrəʊsɪv/adjectiveCommon term

In chemistry, corrosive means: Describes a substance that can destroy or badly damage skin, eyes, metals or other materials on contact. Concentrated acids and strong bases are typical examples.

In Turkish: aşındırıcı, korozif, yakıcı

How it is used

Common on labels, safety data sheets and in safety briefings. Corrosive chemicals are stored low down, in secondary containers, and handled with goggles and gloves. It is also a noun: 'store corrosives separately'.

Example sentences

  1. Concentrated sulfuric acid is highly corrosive, so wear goggles and a face shield.

  2. Keep corrosive liquids on the lowest shelf, below eye level.

Common collocations

  • highly corrosive
  • corrosive liquid
  • corrosive to metals
  • corrosives cabinet
  • hazard pictogramA small symbol in a red-bordered diamond on a chemical label that warns of a specific danger, such as flammable, toxic, corrosive or harmful to the environment.
  • PPEShort for personal protective equipment: the items you wear to protect yourself from hazards in the lab, such as a lab coat, safety goggles and gloves.
  • acidA substance that releases hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water or, more generally, donates protons. Its water solutions have a pH below 7 and turn blue litmus paper red.
  • spillAn accident in which a chemical is dropped or leaks out of its container. As a verb, the word means to let a liquid or powder fall out by accident.
  • safety data sheetA standard document from the supplier that describes a chemical's hazards, safe handling, storage, first aid and disposal. It is usually shortened to SDS.

More terms: Laboratory Safety

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