Borax: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Arabic 'boraq' meaning 'white' or 'to be white'.
• It has been used since ancient times, and was named in Middle French before making its way into English.
• The powdered form was first popularized in the 19th century for household cleaning products.

Science

• Sodium borate, the chemical name for borax, is a compound made of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water.
• In addition to cleaning, it is used in fertilizers, ceramics, and even as a pest control agent.
• Borax has unique properties that make it useful in laundry detergents and as a mild antiseptic.

History

• Borax mining began in California’s Death Valley in the late 1800s, where it was famously transported by a team of 20 mule teams.
• It played a significant role in the industrial revolution as it was used in various manufacturing processes.
• Historically, it was also utilized in the preservation of food and in the creation of soap.

Literature

• Borax has appeared in various literary works as a metaphor for cleansing or purification.
• Certain 20th-century poets referenced the mineral as a symbol of resilience and practicality in everyday life.

Pop Culture

• The term 'borax' has appeared in movies and television as a symbol of cleaning, often linked with 1950s advertisements.
• Some current DIY influencers promote borax as a powerful ingredient in homemade cleaning solutions.

With rank #18,967, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 18964 overstated
• 18965 rumbling
• 18966 invertebrate
• 18967 borax
• 18968 wayside
• 18969 predominated
• 18970 courtier
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