Definition of 'alkali'

Word Frequency

alkali

(ælkəlaɪ )

Word forms: plural alkalis

variable noun

An alkali is a substance with a pH value of more than 7. Alkalis form chemical salts when they are combined with acids.

Word Frequency

(ˈælkəˌlaɪ )

noun plural -lis or -lies

1. chemistry

a soluble base or a solution of a base

a soluble mineral salt that occurs in arid soils and some natural waters

Word origin of 'alkali'

C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-qili the ashes (of the plant saltwort)

Word Frequency

(ˈælkəˌlaɪ ; alˈkəlīˌ)

nounWord forms: plural ˈalkaˌlies or ˈalkaˌlis

any base or hydroxide, as soda, potash, etc. that is soluble in water and gives a high concentration of hydroxyl ions in solution; specif., any of the hydroxides and carbonates of the alkali metals

any soluble substance, as a mineral salt or mixture of salts, that can neutralize acids, has a pH greater than 7.0, and turns litmus blue: strong alkalies are caustic

Word origin of 'alkali'

ME alkaly < Ar al-qily, for al-qili, the ashes (of saltwort) < qalai, to roast in a pan

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They were approaching an area of alkali pans, where concealment was much more difficult. C.J. Cherryh HAMMERFALL (2001)

Used Occasionally. alkali is one of the 30000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Definition of alkali from the Collins English Dictionary

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