Word
acidic
US/əˈsɪdɪk/
UK/ɐsˈɪdɪk/
Science
Definition
adj. having the sharp, sour taste or chemical properties of acid. You use this word for things like lemons, vinegar, or rain that can burn or dissolve other materials.
adj. having the chemical properties of an acid, such as a pH level below 7, a sour taste, or the ability to react with bases and metals.
Examples
“Lemons are very acidic fruits.”
“The acidic soil in this region makes it difficult to grow most vegetables without adding lime.”
“The rapid decline of the coral reef was attributed to increasing ocean acidity, which dissolves the calcium carbonate structures essential for their survival.”
Examples
simple
“Lemons are very acidic fruits.”
contextual
“The acidic soil in this region makes it difficult to grow most vegetables without adding lime.”
complex
“The rapid decline of the coral reef was attributed to increasing ocean acidity, which dissolves the calcium carbonate structures essential for their survival.”
Real-World Examples
“The water is becoming more acidic as carbon from the air sinks into it.” “In these places, heat waves drive waters to be more acidic.” Etymology
From acid + -ic. Doublet of acidy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/acidic