\Hy`po*chlo"rous\, a. [Pref. hypo- + chlorous.]
(Chem.)
Pertaining to, or derived from, chlorine having a valence
lower than in chlorous compounds.
{Hypochlorous acid} (Chem.), an acid derived from chlorine,
   not known in a pure state, but forming various salts,
   called hypochlorites.