: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebAs 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
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, literally, royal water
First Known Use
1617, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
aqua regia
noun
aqua re·gia -ˈrē-j(ē-)ə
: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum