\Hy`dro*chlo"ric\, a. [Hydro-, 2 + chloric: cf. F.
hydrochlorique.] (Chem.)
Pertaining to, or compounded of, chlorine and hydrogen gas;
as, hydrochloric acid; chlorhydric.
{Hydrochloric acid} (Chem.), hydrogen chloride; a colorless,
   corrosive gas, {HCl}, of pungent, suffocating odor. It is
   made in great quantities in the soda process, by the
   action of sulphuric acid on common salt. It has a great
   affinity for water, and the commercial article is a strong
   solution of the gas in water. It is a typical acid, and is
   an indispensable agent in commercial and general chemical
   work. Called also {muriatic, & chlorhydric, acid}.