acidity

noun

acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsi-də-tē How to pronounce acidity (audio)
a-
plural acidities
Synonyms of aciditynext
1
: the quality, state, or degree of being acid
2
: the state of being excessively acid

Examples of acidity in a Sentence

detected a certain acidity in the way he responded the acidity of their relationship was well known to their mutual acquaintances
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With continued use, the acidity in vinegar can break down elastic and ruin clothing. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026 Fresh green chiles and lime juice added right before serving finishes it off with a burst of acidity and snap. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 Sometimes compost becomes too acidic during decomposition, Ivanov says—fireplace ash helps neutralize this acidity. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026 That’s because muscle acidity is thought to have its greatest effects for efforts lasting between about one and ten minutes. Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acidity

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Late Latin; French acidité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin aciditāt-, aciditās, from Latin acidus "sour, acid entry 2" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acidity was in 1615

Cite this Entry

“Acidity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acidity. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

acidity

noun
acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsid-ət-ē How to pronounce acidity (audio)
a-
plural acidities
1
: the quality, state, or degree of being acid
2
: the state of being extremely acid

Medical Definition

acidity

noun
acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsid-ət-ē, a- How to pronounce acidity (audio)
plural acidities
1
: the quality, state, or degree of being sour or chemically acid
the acidity of lemon juice
2
: the quality or state of being excessively or abnormally acid : hyperacidity

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