{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}.