alkali Definition
- 1a soluble base that neutralizes acids and turns litmus blue; a substance with a pH greater than 7
- 2any of various highly basic compounds, typically of sodium or potassium, that are used to neutralize acids and are slippery, caustic, and typically hazardous
Using alkali: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alkali" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali.
Example
The soil in the area is naturally alkaline.
Example
Alkalis are often used in cleaning products.
alkali Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with alkali
any of the elements lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium, occupying Group IA (1) of the periodic table. They are very reactive, electropositive, monovalent metals forming strongly alkaline hydroxides.
Example
Alkali metals are highly reactive and must be stored under oil or inert gas.
a dry lake bed containing accumulated salts, typically sodium carbonate or sodium sulfate
Example
The Mojave Desert contains several alkali flats.
a diet that emphasizes alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and discourages acidic foods such as meat, dairy, and processed foods
Example
Some people believe that an alkaline diet can help prevent disease and improve overall health.
Origins of alkali
from Arabic 'al-qalīy', meaning 'the calcined ashes'
Summary: alkali in Brief
An 'alkali' [ˈælkəlaɪ] is a soluble base that neutralizes acids and turns litmus blue, with a pH greater than 7. It can be hazardous and is often used in cleaning products. 'Alkali' extends into phrases like 'alkali metal,' referring to highly reactive elements, 'alkali flat,' denoting a dry lake bed containing accumulated salts, and 'alkaline diet,' a dietary approach that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
