a colourless poisonous corrosive gas or liquid made by reaction between calcium fluoride and sulphuric acid: used as a fluorinating agent and catalyst. Formula: HF
2.
an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride; hydrofluoric acid
hydrogen fluoride in American English
noun
a colorless corrosive gas, HF, the anhydride of hydrofluoric acid, used chiefly as a catalyst and in the fluorination of hydrocarbons
Word origin
[1905–10]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: aspect ratio, overcall, persona, revolving door, stabilizer
Examples of 'hydrogen fluoride' in a sentence
hydrogen fluoride
The result in each of more than 20 experiments was the release of toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride gas after the coolant caught fire.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In the latter, a relatively strong acid (usually hydrogen fluoride) is required to remove the final product from the resin.
The Scientist (2001)
The result in each of more than 20 experiments was the release of toxic fumes of hydrogenfluoride gas after the fluid caught fire.