borax
1 of 2noun (1)
bo·rax ˈbȯr-ˌaks 
-əks
-əks : a white crystalline compound that consists of a hydrated sodium borate Na2B4O7·10H2O, that occurs as a mineral or is prepared from other minerals, and that is used especially as a flux, cleansing agent, and water softener, as a preservative, and as a fireproofing agent
borax
2 of 2noun (2)
: cheap shoddy merchandise
Did you know?
What are the Uses of borax?
A borate of sodium that occurs as a soft, light, colorless crystalline mineral, borax has a wide variety of uses. It can be used as a component of glass and pottery glazes in the ceramics industry, as a solvent in metallurgy, as a flux in welding and soldering, and as a fertilizer additive, a soap supplement, a disinfectant, a mouthwash, and a water softener. About 50 percent of the world’s supply comes from southern Californian deserts, including Death Valley.
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English boras, from Anglo-French boreis, from Medieval Latin borac-, borax, from Arabic būraq, from Persian būrah
Noun (2)
origin unknown
First Known Use
Noun (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun (2)
1932, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
borax
noun
bo·rax ˈbō(ə)r-ˌaks ˈbȯ(ə)r-
ˈbȯ(ə)r- -əks
: a white crystalline compound that consists of a hydrated sodium borate Na2B4O7·10H2O, that occurs as a mineral or is prepared from other minerals, and that is used especially as a flux, cleansing agent, and water softener and as a preservative