lye

Everyday

1. Lye is a very strong chemical, an alkali, used to make soap and to clean drains. tree →
2. Lye can burn skin and eyes badly, so it is dangerous. tree →
3. In old Slavic words, lye meant a forest, as in the wood-demon named Lyeshy. tree →

In the lessons

In science and history lessons about how soap was made from fat and lye; in safety lessons it is a household danger that must be locked away. Phrases: «lye soap», «caustic lye».

Examples

• People once made soap from animal fat and lye. tree →
• Lye is so strong it can burn your skin. tree →
• Drain cleaners often contain lye. tree →
• Never touch lye without gloves and goggles. tree →
• Lye is used to make pretzels shiny and brown. tree →
• Pioneers made lye from wood ash and water. tree →
• Keep lye locked away from children. tree →
• Lye is an alkali, the opposite of an acid. tree →
• The name Leshy or Lyeshy is derived from lyes, a forest. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Homophone: «lye» sounds the same as «lie» (to say something untrue, or to rest flat). Safety: if lye touches skin, rinse with lots of water and tell an adult straight away.

In Jewish tradition

It is a strong cleaning substance used to purify metal by taking out the impurities.

Interpretation. Isaiah says God will purify Jerusalem as a smith cleans silver. Tradition reads this as God punishing in order to cleanse.

Examples

• And I will turn My hand upon thee, and purge away thy dross as with lye, and will take away all thine alloy; (Prophets ISA.1.25, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable. Homophone: «lye» sounds the same as «lie» (to say something untrue, or to rest flat). Safety: if lye touches skin, rinse with lots of water and tell an adult straight away.