Hydrochloric \Hy`dro*chlo"ric\, a. [Hydro-, 2 + chloric: cf. F.
   hydrochlorique.] (Chem.)
   Pertaining to, or compounded of, chlorine and hydrogen gas;
   as, hydrochloric acid; chlorhydric.
   [1913 Webster]

   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 acid and chlorhydric acid.
      [1913 Webster]