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 7a2: alkali metal3: a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts present in some soils of arid regions in quantity detrimental to agriculture