Definition of alkali
alkalies
oralkalis
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 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
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Origin and Etymology of alkali
Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-qili the ashes of the plant saltwort
First Known Use: 14th century
ALKALI Defined for English Language Learners
alkali
playDefinition of alkali for English Language Learners
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chemistry : a substance that has a bitter taste and that forms a salt when mixed with an acid
ALKALI Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
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See words that rhyme with alkali Spanish Central: Translation of alkali Nglish: Translation of alkali for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alkali
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