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Definition of lye

lye

/laɪ/
lye
Plural:lyes
•
Past Simple:lyed
•
Past Participle:lyed
•
Present Participle:lying
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lye Lexical Profile

lye Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A strongly alkaline, caustic solution, typically of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide (historically obtained by leaching wood ashes with water), used in making soap, curing certain foods, and cleaning drains.

Example

"Traditional soap makers carefully mix animal fat with lye to trigger the chemical process of saponification."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lye
Antonyms
View all antonyms for lye

• verb

1

To treat, wash, or steep a substance or foodstuff with lye.

Example

"The dried corn kernels must be thoroughly lyed and rinsed to make traditional hominy."

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'lye' (a caustic alkaline chemical) with its homophone 'lie' (an untruth, or to recline).

• Rhymes for lye

• Nearby Words

lycium
lycoris
lycra
lye
lygodium
lying
lyme

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'lēag', of Proto-Germanic origin, ultimately related to Latin 'lavare' (to wash) and Old Norse 'laug' (warm bath).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lye. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lye
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