aqua regia

noun

Meaning

A highly corrosive, fuming yellow or red solution capable of dissolving noble metals like gold and platinum.

Examples

  • Gold does not react with most acids, but it dissolves quickly in aqua regia.
  • The laboratory technician wore heavy-duty protective gear while handling the aqua regia.

Synonyms: acid, solvent, corrosive, nitrohydrochloric acid