Alkali
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈæl.kəˌlaɪ/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Alkali is a noun meaning (Western US) Soluble mineral matter, other than common salt, contained in soils of natural waters.
Meaning
(Western US) Soluble mineral matter, other than common salt, contained in soils of natural waters.
More Meanings
- (chemistry) One of a class of caustic bases, such as soda, soda ash, caustic soda, potash, ammonia, and lithia, whose distinguishing characteristics are dissolving in alcohol and water, uniting with oils and fats to form soap, neutralizing and forming salts with acids, turning to brown several vegetable yellows, and changing reddened litmus to blue.
Example Sentences
Alkalies may be defined as bodies which combine with acids so as to impair or neutralize their activity, and produce what are called salts. They are distinguished by properties the reverse of acids, and the two classes are generally looked upon as antagonist substances.
Word Forms
- alkalis
- alkalies
Synonyms for alkali
Depending on context, synonyms include base.
Antonyms for alkali
Common opposites include acid.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include base, alkaline, alkalic, aqueous, basis, basic.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.