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
Some dark chocolate products are Dutch-processed or treated with alkali to improve flavor and appearance.
—
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
Dutch-processed is best because the alkali used in its production gives the cocoa a richer, deeper hue and smoother taste that’s important for color and flavor intensity.
—Christopher Kimball, The Denver Post, 13 Feb. 2025
Officials warned residents not to touch the substance after initially saying some of the snow measured a pH level of 10, making the substance an alkali and a skin irritant.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for alkali
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Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025
Dutch-processed is best because the alkali used in its production gives the cocoa a richer, deeper hue and smoother taste that’s important for color and flavor intensity.
—Christopher Kimball, The Denver Post, 13 Feb. 2025
Officials warned residents not to touch the substance after initially saying some of the snow measured a pH level of 10, making the substance an alkali and a skin irritant.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for alkali
Cite this Entry
“Alkali.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkali. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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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