Main Entry: al·ka·li

Pronunciation: \ˈal-kə-ˌlī\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural al·ka·lies or al·ka·lis

Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-qili the ashes of the plant saltwort

Date: 14th century

1 : a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate; broadly : a substance (as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties — compare base 7a
2 : alkali metal
3 : a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of arid regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture