alkaline
adj.adj. having a pH level higher than 7. You use this to describe substances that are the opposite of acidic, like baking soda or soap.
adj. having a pH value greater than 7; possessing the properties of an alkali. Often used to describe chemical solutions or soil conditions that can neutralise acids.
The soil in this garden is naturally alkaline.
Farmers often add lime to their fields to make the soil more alkaline for certain crops.
The chemist monitored the solution carefully, adding small amounts of base until the mixture reached an alkaline state suitable for the next phase of the reaction.
First attested in 1677. From alkali + -ine, ultimately from Arabic اَلْقِلْي (al-qily, “alkali, ashes of the saltwort”), related to قَلَى (qalā, “to roast in a pan, fry”).
Often used in technical or scientific contexts; frequently contrasted with 'acidic'.