Oxalic

[Sarah]

Pertaining to, derived from, or contained in, sorrel, oroxalis; specifically, designating an acid found in, andcharacteristic of, oxalis, and also certain plant of the Buckwheatfamily. Oxalic acid (Chem.), a dibasic acid, existing combined inoxalis as an acid potassium oxalate, and in many plant tissues as thecalcium oxalate. It is prepared on a large scale, by the action offused caustic soda or potash on sawdust, as a white crystallinesubstance, which has a strong acid taste, and is poisonous in largedoses. It is used in dyeing, calico printing, bleaching flax andstraw, the preparation of formic acid, and in salts of lemon forremoving ink stains, mold, etc.