* Hydrochloric acid is the chemical name, a precise and scientific term.

* Muriatic acid is the common name, often used in household and industrial settings.

Both names refer to a solution of hydrogen chloride (HCl) in water. However, "muriatic acid" is typically used to refer to a less pure, industrial-grade solution of HCl.

So, while technically the same, there are subtle differences in how the terms are used:

* Hydrochloric acid: Used more in scientific and technical contexts.

* Muriatic acid: Used more in everyday contexts, often for cleaning and other household or industrial applications.