water (H2O)

An odorless, colorless, tasteless liquid which exists as ice in solid form (phase) and steam in vapor form (phase). It freezes at 32° F (0° C) and boils at 212° F (100° C).
Water is a polar liquid with high dielectric constant which accounts for its solvent power; it is called the universal solvent. It is a weak electrolyte; in pure water, only about two molecules in every 1,100,000,000 separate into H₃O⁺ and OH^– ions. Water is only slightly compressible. It is the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain and forms lakes, streams, and seas (oceans). Water is a major constituent of all living matter. Also referred to as H₂O (dihydrogen oxide) and HOH (hydrogen hydroxide).

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