alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity noun

Examples of alkaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Michelle Addington: Two problems: The salts themselves are extremely alkaline and therefore given to corrosion. Johanna Mayer, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2023 For example, about 100 tons of cyanide were added to the waste as part of cesium removal, but cyanide can produce toxic gases in highly alkaline environments. Valerie Brown, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2018 Conversely, using alkaline brewing water tends to make tea color deeper than neutral water^2. Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2016 Volcanic activity, says Brochu, may have led to the lakes and rivers becoming too alkaline. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 25 Aug. 2022 If your alarm takes alkaline batteries, put in fresh ones twice a year. Emily Sweeney, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Nov. 2022 The alkaline reaction was especially noticeable with this, and a striking blue color was produced during the foaming action. Collin Morgan, Car and Driver, 16 Nov. 2022 The big caveats are to avoid using any products that contain chlorine bleach or are strongly alkaline, such as oven cleaners or drain openers. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2022 Transitioning to HFCs won’t be as simple as a one-to-one replacement of a power source like changing from alkaline batteries to lithium ion. Nimrod Golan Yanay, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alkaline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaline was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near alkaline

Cite this Entry

“Alkaline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaline. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : basic
alkalinity noun

Medical Definition

alkaline

adjective
al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən How to pronounce alkaline (audio) -ˌlīn How to pronounce alkaline (audio)
: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic
especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7
alkalinity noun
plural alkalinities

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaline

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!