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. Chemistry (from the Greek word χημεία (chemeia) meaning cast together or pour together) is the science of matter at the atomic to molecular scale, dealing primarily with collections of atoms (such as molecules, crystals, and metals). ... Look up substance in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Corrosion is deterioration of intrinsic properties in a material due to reactions with its environment. ... For alternative meanings see acid (disambiguation). ... It has been suggested that strong base be merged into this article or section. ... Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye or caustic soda, is a caustic metallic base. ... Biological tissue is any substance made up of cells that perform a similar function within an organism. ... Drain cleaner is generally a corrosive chemical such as a strong acid or base, used to dissolve clogs in plumbing. ... Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye in North America, is a caustic metallic base used in industry (mostly as a strong chemical base) in the manufacture of paper, textiles, and detergents. ...