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

• acerbity
• acidness
• acridity
• acridness
• acrimoniousness
• acrimony
• acuteness
• asperity
• bite
• bitterness
• edge
• harshness
• keenness
• poignance
• poignancy
• pungency
• roughness
• sharpness
• tartness

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

Other highlights in the first flight of 9 wines included 1978 with fresh cassis, blackberries, and a hint of mint and chocolate, as well as 1986 which was brimming with black cherry, plum, cedar, juicy acidity and a very long finish. —Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Whether the source of sweetness was molasses, maple syrup, cane sugar, or something else, our tasters wanted restraint in this area and balance through savoriness and acidity. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 May 2025

How To Get Rid Of And Prevent Smells In Glass Shower Vinegar is commonly used for cleaning due to its acidity and antimicrobial properties. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 May 2025

That may be because these molecules are only active against S. aureus on the skin — a surprisingly acidic surface — or in a lab setting meant to mimic the skin’s acidity. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 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