acidify

verb

acid·​i·​fy ə-ˈsi-də-ˌfī 

a-

acidified; acidifying

transitive verb

1

: to make acid

2

: to convert into an acid

acidification

ə-ˌsi-də-fə-ˈkā-shən 

a-

noun

Examples of acidify in a Sentence

Pollution caused the soil to acidify.

Recent Examples on the Web

In certain scenarios, your doc might suggest trying boric acid suppositories, which may help acidify things down there in a way that hinders the growth of either microbe. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 27 Feb. 2025

Two other myths that master gardeners have debunked are that adding coffee grounds will help acidify the soil and that eggshells are good for the compost pile. —Marin Independent Journal, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

Trees are burning, permafrost is melting, and parts of the ocean are acidifying. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

The sea also absorbs carbon dioxide, acidifying the water, which breaks down essential minerals that organisms need to grow their shells and skeletons. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French acidifier, from acide acid entry 1 + -ifier -ify

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for acidify

• alveoli
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify
• intensify

Kids Definition

acidify

verb

acid·​i·​fy ə-ˈsid-ə-ˌfī 

acidified; acidifying

1

: to make acid

2

: to change into an acid

acidification

ə-ˌsid-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

acidify

verb

acid·​i·​fy -ə-ˌfī 

acidified; acidifying

transitive verb

1

: to make acid

2

: to convert into an acid

intransitive verb

: to become acid

acidifiable

ə-ˌsid-ə-ˈfī-ə-bəl, a- 

adjective

acidification

-fə-ˈkā-shən 

noun

acidifier

ə-ˈsid-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r, a- 

noun