hard water


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Related to hard water: water softener

hard wa·ter

water containing ions, such as Mg2+ and Ca2+, that form insoluble salts with fatty acids so that ordinary soap will not lather in it.

hard water

Etymology: AS, heard + waeter
water that contains certain cations, particularly calcium and magnesium, that precipitate with soap solutions. The term is generally applied to tap water, and the degree of hardness varies with the source and previous treatment.
Water with a high content of calcium and magnesium salts—e.g., carbonates and sulphates—which may interfere with certain lab tests

hard water

Water with a high content of calcium and magnesium salts–eg, carbonates and sulfates, which may interfere with certain lab tests. See Mineral water, Spring water; Cf Soft water.

hard wa·ter

(hahrd wawtĕr)
That containing ions, such as Mg2+ and Ca2+, which form insoluble salts with fatty acids so that ordinary soap will not lather in it.
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For that reason we are now embarking on a pilot trial to investigate whether installation of a domestic water softener around the time of birth can prevent skin barrier breakdown and eczema in those living in hard water areas.
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Hard water which contains plenty of magnesium and calcium may protect against heart and circulatory diseases, according to a Finnish study.
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