Word
Definition
n. a substance that can neutralize an acid. It is usually a base that can react with acids to form salt and water.
n. a substance that can neutralize an acid, typically a base that reacts with acids to form a salt and water. In a broader sense, it refers to any base or a solution containing one.
Examples
“Lemon juice is an acid, while baking soda is an alkali.”
“The soil was too acidic for the crops, so the farmer added lime, a natural alkali, to balance the pH.”
“In the laboratory, the technician carefully measured the alkali to ensure the neutralization reaction occurred without producing excessive heat or gas.”
Examples
simple
“Lemon juice is an acid, while baking soda is an alkali.”
contextual
“The soil was too acidic for the crops, so the farmer added lime, a natural alkali, to balance the pH.”
complex
“In the laboratory, the technician carefully measured the alkali to ensure the neutralization reaction occurred without producing excessive heat or gas.”
Etymology
From French alcali, from Medieval Latin alcali, ultimately from Arabic اَلْقِلْي (al-qily, “alkali, ashes of the saltwort”), related to قَلَى (qalā, “to roast in a pan, fry”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/alkali
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR