Definition

A white crystalline substance made of sodium, boron, and oxygen, often used for cleaning, in glass making, and as a fireproofing agent.

Example

We used borax to clean the stained carpet effectively.

Conversation

Have you ever used borax for cleaning around the house?

Yeah, I heard it works really well as a natural cleaner.

I just got some, and I'm excited to try it out on the bathroom.

Let me know how it goes! I might start using borax too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Borax originates from the Arabic word 'buraq' (meaning white), which refers to the mineral's appearance. It is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water, commonly used in cleaning and as a flux in metallurgy.

Memory Tip

Think of the Arabic word 'buraq' meaning white, which helps you remember that borax is a white mineral used for cleaning.

Visually Confused Words