alkali

noun

al·​ka·​li ˈal-kə-ˌlī How to pronounce alkali (audio)
plural alkalies or alkalis
1
: a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate
broadly : a substance (such as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties compare base sense 6a
2
3
: a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of arid regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture

Examples of alkali in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web He was rushed to the emergency room and later admitted to the burn unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center with second-degree alkali burns to his butt and the back of his thighs. Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2024 Borax is an alkali that's good for cutting grease, oil, and dirt. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024 Then the company adds the alkali back to the water to neutralize it before release. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Aug. 2023 Silicates are much hardier, resistant to most acids as well as to alkalis. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for alkali 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alkali.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-qili the ashes of the plant saltwort

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkali was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near alkali

Cite this Entry

“Alkali.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkali. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

alkali

noun
al·​ka·​li ˈal-kə-ˌlī How to pronounce alkali (audio)
plural alkalies or alkalis
1
: a substance (as a hydroxide) that has a bitter taste and neutralizes acids
2
3
: a salt or mixture of salts easily dissolved in water and present in some soils of very dry regions
Etymology

Middle English alkali "alkali," from Latin alkali (same meaning), from Arabic al-qili "ashes of a particular plant"

Medical Definition

alkali

noun
al·​ka·​li ˈal-kə-ˌlī How to pronounce alkali (audio)
plural alkalies or alkalis
: a substance (as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties compare base

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