alkaline

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   relating to or containing an alkali

   The chemist tested the alkaline solution.

2. 2
   adj

   Of, or relating to an alkali, one of a class of caustic bases.

   [Joseph Black's] experiments on magnesia alba, quick lime, and other alkaline substances proved that "fixed air" is given off when limestone is burned, and that the same loss is incurred when it is dissolved in muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid).

3. 3
   adj

   Having a pH greater than 7.

   The chemist tested the alkaline solution.

4. 4
   noun

   An alkaline battery.

   The chemist tested the alkaline solution.

First attested in 1677. From alkali + -ine, ultimately from Arabic اَلْقِلْي (al-qily, “alkali, ashes of the saltwort”), related to قَلَى (qalā, “to roast in a pan, fry”).

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