alkali

noun

al·ka·li | \ ˈal-kə-ˌlī

plural alkalies or alkalis

Definition of alkali

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 : alkali metal

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

Many of these cleaners contain corrosive alkalis, which can have grave effects on your gastrointestinal track and respiratory system if inhaled and can be deadly if swallowed. — Lindsey Campbell, House Beautiful, "19 Dangerous Household Items You Should Quit Using Immediately," 15 Feb. 2019 Its widespread adoption could increase production at industrial chlor-alkali plants, which are known to emit mercury and other pollutants. — Emily Atkin, WIRED, "The Powerful Groups Stonewalling a Greener Way to Die," 17 June 2018 Its widespread adoption could increase production at industrial chlor-alkali plants, which are known to emit mercury and other pollutants. — Emily Atkin, WIRED, "The Powerful Groups Stonewalling a Greener Way to Die," 17 June 2018 Its widespread adoption could increase production at industrial chlor-alkali plants, which are known to emit mercury and other pollutants. — Emily Atkin, WIRED, "The Powerful Groups Stonewalling a Greener Way to Die," 17 June 2018 Its widespread adoption could increase production at industrial chlor-alkali plants, which are known to emit mercury and other pollutants. — Emily Atkin, WIRED, "The Powerful Groups Stonewalling a Greener Way to Die," 17 June 2018 Its widespread adoption could increase production at industrial chlor-alkali plants, which are known to emit mercury and other pollutants. — Emily Atkin, WIRED, "The Powerful Groups Stonewalling a Greener Way to Die," 17 June 2018 Its widespread adoption could increase production at industrial chlor-alkali plants, which are known to emit mercury and other pollutants. — Emily Atkin, WIRED, "The Powerful Groups Stonewalling a Greener Way to Die," 17 June 2018 Its widespread adoption could increase production at industrial chlor-alkali plants, which are known to emit mercury and other pollutants. — Emily Atkin, WIRED, "The Powerful Groups Stonewalling a Greener Way to Die," 17 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alkali.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.