adjective
Uncommon
alkaline
AL-kuhl-yn
Alkaline (adjective) means having the chemical properties of an alkali; basic rather than acidic. Example: “Soap is alkaline, which is why it can feel slippery on the skin.”
adjective
1
Having the chemical properties of an alkali; basic rather than acidic.
"Soap is alkaline, which is why it can feel slippery on the skin."
"The soil here is quite alkaline, so acid-loving plants struggle."
2
Having a pH greater than 7 on the standard scale.
"The test strip turned blue, showing the water was alkaline."
"A pH of 9 is mildly alkaline."
How to use alkaline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishChemically basic — the opposite of acidic — as measured by a pH above 7.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
alkaline soil
alkaline solution
alkaline battery
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Word forms
- Plural
- alkalines
- Comparative
- more alkaline
- Superlative
- most alkaline
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Soap is _____, which is why it can feel slippery on the skin.
Etymology
From "alkali," which came into English via Arabic al-qily, the ashes of a salt-tolerant desert plant once burned to make soap and glass.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
acidic
amphoteric
Related words
Rhymes for alkaline
See all rhymes for alkaline →Frequently asked questions
What does “alkaline” mean?
The word “alkaline” means having the chemical properties of an alkali; basic rather than acidic. In plain terms, chemically basic — the opposite of acidic — as measured by a pH above 7.
How do you pronounce “alkaline”?
“Alkaline” is pronounced AL-kuhl-yn (/ˈæl.kə.laɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “alkaline” in a sentence?
Here is “alkaline” used in a sentence: “Soap is alkaline, which is why it can feel slippery on the skin.”
What part of speech is “alkaline”?
“Alkaline” is an adjective.
Where does the word “alkaline” come from?
The word “alkaline” comes from Arabic. From "alkali," which came into English via Arabic al-qily, the ashes of a salt-tolerant desert plant once burned to make soap and glass.
Is “alkaline” a common word?
“Alkaline” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “alkaline” have?
“Alkaline” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having the chemical properties of an alkali; basic rather than acidic.
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