alkali

views updated May 14 2018

al·ka·li / ˈalkəˌlī/ • n. (pl. -lis) a chemical compound that neutralizes or effervesces with acids and turns litmus blue; typically, a caustic or corrosive substance of this kind such as lime or soda.Often contrasted with acid; compare with base1 .

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

alkali

views updated May 17 2018

alkali Soluble base that reacts with an acid to form a salt and water. A solution of an alkali has a pH greater than 7. Alkali solutions are used as cleaning materials. Strong alkalis include the hydroxides of the alkali metals and ammonium hydroxide. The carbonates of these metals are weak alkalis.

World Encyclopedia

alkali

views updated Jun 27 2018

alkali †soda ash XIV; saltwort, Salsola kali XVI; any substance having the properties of soda XVII; (mod. chem.) hydroxide of sodium, potassium, etc. XIX. — medL. — Arab. al-ḳily calcined ashes, f. ḳalā fry, roast; see AL-2, KALI. Cf. F. alcali.
So alkaline XVII; cf. F. alcalin. alkaloid XIX. — G.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

alkali

views updated May 18 2018

alkali (or base) A compound that takes up hydrogen ions and so raises the pH of a solution; see also acid; buffers; salt.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

alkali

views updated May 18 2018

alkali (al-kă-ly) n. a base that is soluble in water. Alkaline solutions turn litmus paper blue. See base.

A Dictionary of Nursing

alkali

views updated May 21 2018

alkali A base that dissolves in water to give hydroxide ions (OH–).

A Dictionary of Biology

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