alkali
noun
al·ka·li
ˈal-kə-ˌlī 
plural alkalies or alkalis
1
: a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate
broadly
: a substance (such as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties compare base sense 6a
2
3
: a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of arid regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture
Examples of alkali in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
He was rushed to the emergency room and later admitted to the burn unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center with second-degree alkali burns to his butt and the back of his thighs.
—
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2024
Borax is an alkali that's good for cutting grease, oil, and dirt.
—Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
Then the company adds the alkali back to the water to neutralize it before release.
—IEEE Spectrum, 15 Aug. 2023
Silicates are much hardier, resistant to most acids as well as to alkalis.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 May 2023
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Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2024
Borax is an alkali that's good for cutting grease, oil, and dirt.
—Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024
Then the company adds the alkali back to the water to neutralize it before release.
—IEEE Spectrum, 15 Aug. 2023
Silicates are much hardier, resistant to most acids as well as to alkalis.
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 May 2023
See all Example Sentences for alkali
Dictionary Entries Near alkali
Cite this Entry
“Alkali.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkali. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alkali
noun
al·ka·li
ˈal-kə-ˌlī
plural alkalies or alkalis
1
: a substance (as a hydroxide) that has a bitter taste and neutralizes acids
2
3
: a salt or mixture of salts easily dissolved in water and present in some soils of very dry regions
Etymology
Middle English alkali "alkali," from Latin alkali (same meaning), from Arabic al-qili "ashes of a particular plant"
Medical Definition
alkali
noun
al·ka·li
ˈal-kə-ˌlī
plural alkalies or alkalis
: a substance (as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties compare base
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