aqua regia

noun

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

Examples of aqua regia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As German troops marched in the streets of Copenhagen, chemist George de Hevesy stashed the medals in aqua regia, an acid strong enough to dissolve gold. National Geographic, 2 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aqua regia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, royal water

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aqua regia was in 1617

Dictionary Entries Near aqua regia

Cite this Entry

“Aqua regia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aqua%20regia. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aqua regia

noun
: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

Medical Definition

aqua regia

noun
aqua re·​gia -ˈrē-j(ē-)ə How to pronounce aqua regia (audio)
: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

called also nitrohydrochloric acid

More from Merriam-Webster on aqua regia

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!