HARD WATER • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Hard water

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/hɑrd wˈɔtər/ Listen

Hard water

noun

Water that contains mineral salts (as calcium and magnesium ions) that limit the formation of lather with soap.

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Etymology of 'Hard water'

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"Hard water" Quotes from Famous Books

... satisfactory means of obtaining the proper degree of agitation necessary; the clear lime water is then drawn off at the top of the cylinders, and flows by gravity into a mixer, where it comes in contact with the hard water. Both flow together into a distributing trough, from which it overflows into a small softening reservoir, having a capacity of one hour's supply, a weir being placed along the lower end, over which the water flows ...

— Scientific American Supplement, No. 841, February 13, 1892 • Various

... matter, which may overturn the balance of photographic operations by causing premature reduction of the sensitive silver compounds. To test for them is easy. Hardness is easily recognizable by washing one's hands in the water, the soap being curdled; but in many cases one must rather seek for a hard water than avoid it, as the tendency of gelatine plates to frill is far less in hard water than in soft water. It is, indeed, a common and useful practice to harden the water used for washing by adding half an ounce ...

— Scientific American Supplement, No. 460, October 25, 1884 • Various

Words linked to "Hard water" : H2O, soft water, water