lye

(noun)

A strong caustic alkaline solution of potassium or sodium salts, obtained by leaching wood ashes. It is much used in making soap as well as in biodiesel.

Related Terms

Examples of lye in the following topics:

  • Sculpture

    • By the 1940s, abstract sculpture was impacted and expanded by Kinetic art pioneers Alexander Calder, Len Lye, Jean Tinguely, and Frederick Kiesler.

  • The Alkali Metals

    • Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also called lye, is an industrial-strength base.