borax1
/ˈbɔːraks
/noun [mass noun]
A white compound which occurs as a mineral in some alkaline salt deposits and is used in making glass and ceramics, as a metallurgical flux, and as an antiseptic.
- A hydrated sodium borate; chemical formula: Na2B4O710H2O.
- Fluxes of this type are usually based on borax, boric acid, or glass, which melts at copper alloy melting temperatures to provide a fluid slag cover.
- Potassium salts, such as sylvite (potassium chloride), are used to produce fertilizers for the agricultural industry, while boron salts, especially borax, are a basic resource for the glass industry.
Origin
Late Middle English: from medieval Latin, from Arabic būraq, from Pahlavi būrak.
Rhymes
borax2
/ˈbɔːraks/(also borak /ˈbɔːrak/)
noun [mass noun] Australian /NZ informal, dated
Good-natured teasing or ridicule; banter: they take a bit of borax, but that is part of the job...
- They take a bit of borax, but that is part of the job.
- He likes to have a bit of borax from time to time.
- He poured the borax on him for not giving him enough racing room.
Phrases
poke borax at
Origin
Early 19th century (as borak): Australian pidgin, based on Aboriginal burag 'no, not', later influenced by borax1 in spelling and pronunciation.