acidity

noun

acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsi-də-tē 

a-

plural acidities

1

: the quality, state, or degree of being acid

2

: the state of being excessively acid

Synonyms

• bitterness
• bite
• edge

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

Soil acidity can influence which colorful plant species will thrive in a garden. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

Most disease problems can be avoided through proper plant care including proper fertilization, adequate soil drainage, and maintaining appropriate soil acidity. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025

Stonestreet Estate has Chardonnay planted within this cooler area, where the fog limits sunlight and helps to maintain acidity, while the Cabernet Sauvignon that is planted on higher slopes receives three to four more hours of sunlight a day that help bring the grapes to full ripeness. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2025

The red counteracts the green, and the acidity helps neutralize the reaction. —Maureen Choi, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for acidity

• aridity
• avidity
• cupidity
• fluidity
• humidity
• liquidity
• lucidity
• morbidity
• placidity
• rancidity
• rapidity
• rigidity

Kids Definition

acidity

noun

acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsid-ət-ē 

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- 

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