Word
alkaline
Phoneticsal·ka·line, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæɫkəˌɫaɪn/
UK/ˈælkəlˌaɪn/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The soil in this garden is naturally alkaline.”
contextual
“Farmers often add lime to their fields to make the soil more alkaline for certain crops.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Often used in technical or scientific contexts; frequently contrasted with 'acidic'.
Real-World Examples
“Strontium is an alkaline earth metal widely used in glow-in-the-dark paint, fireworks and archaeological analysis.” “These two plastics are composed entirely of carbon-hydrogen bonds and are chemically resistant under alkaline conditions.” Etymology
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”).
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.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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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