Causticity

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Causticity is, in chemistry, the property of a substance that causes corrosion, the deterioration of a material. Caustic literally means burning. A caustic substance can be acidic or basic, and concentrated solutions of acids and bases are common corrosive substances. Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is one example. Caustic substances are harmful to living tissue and structures, but they have beneficial uses. For example, drain cleaners often use caustic substances such as NaOH to clear clogged drains.