alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity noun

Examples of alkaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But these sticks were quickly buried in soil that was slightly alkaline and very dry, which contributed to their longevity. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024 Ash left in the bottom of your grill can be highly alkaline and eat away at your grill’s body. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024 Michelle Addington: Two problems: The salts themselves are extremely alkaline and therefore given to corrosion. Johanna Mayer, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2023 For example, about 100 tons of cyanide were added to the waste as part of cesium removal, but cyanide can produce toxic gases in highly alkaline environments. Valerie Brown, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2018 See all Example Sentences for alkaline 

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaline was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near alkaline

Cite this Entry

“Alkaline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaline. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : basic
alkalinity noun

Medical Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity noun
plural alkalinities

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaline

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!