In chem., applied to an acid (HCIO) having marked bleaching properties, obtained in solution by distilling bleaching-powder with dilute nitric acid. It is the active principle of bleaching-powder.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
adjective.
Pertaining to, or derived from, chlorine having a valence lower than in chlorous compounds.
adjective.
an acid derived from chlorine, not known in a pure state, but forming various salts, called hypochlorites.