borax: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (chemistry, cleaning); Informal/Archaic (US furniture trade)
Quick answer
What does “borax” mean?
A white mineral compound of boron, used as a cleaning agent, flux in metallurgy, and insecticide.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white mineral compound of boron, used as a cleaning agent, flux in metallurgy, and insecticide.
Informal term for cheap, showy goods, especially furniture (US, dated).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The chemical meaning is identical. The informal 'cheap furniture' sense is almost exclusively historical American usage.
Connotations
In technical contexts, neutral. In historical US slang, connotes poor quality and deception.
Frequency
Much more frequent in technical/scientific contexts. The informal meaning is now rare.
Grammar
How to Use “borax” in a Sentence
N (count/uncount)NP (borax + noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “borax” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The recipe instructs you to borax the wood to prevent insect damage. (rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The borax content of the soil was analysed. (attributive use)
American English
- They sold borax furniture on the roadside. (dated, attributive)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in chemical supply/manufacturing industries.
Academic
Common in chemistry, geology, and materials science texts.
Everyday
Found in DIY cleaning or crafting guides. Not a common household term.
Technical
Standard term for the compound Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O or related anhydrous forms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “borax”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “borax”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “borax”
- Pronouncing it /bəˈræks/ (incorrect). Correct is /ˈbɔːr.æks/.
- Using 'borax' as a general term for all cleaning powders.
- Confusing borax (sodium borate) with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It must be used with caution. It is toxic if ingested and can irritate skin and lungs. Always follow safety instructions.
Borax (sodium borate) is a mineral compound. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a different chemical salt. They have different cleaning properties and safety profiles.
Yes, borax is a naturally occurring mineral, often harvested from dried lake beds in arid regions.
It originated in late 19th/early 20th century US commerce, where borax was cheap and sometimes used in deceptive sales practices for inferior goods.
A white mineral compound of boron, used as a cleaning agent, flux in metallurgy, and insecticide.
Borax: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔː.ræks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːr.æks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “20 Mule Team Borax (brand/trademark, US)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BORAX rhymes with 'door wax' – think of a white powder you might use to clean the floor.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE (primarily technical term).
Practice
Quiz
In a historical US context, 'borax' could refer to: