A1 noun Neutral

acid

/ˈæsɪd/

A chemical substance that usually has a sour taste and can sometimes burn or dissolve things. In science, it is a liquid with a pH level of less than seven.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Lemons contain a natural acid that makes them taste very sour.

Lemons have a natural sour chemical that gives them their sharp taste.

2

The researcher measured the concentration of the acid in the solution.

The scientist checked how strong the sour chemical was in the liquid mix.

3

Don't touch that liquid; it's acid and it will hurt your skin.

Be careful with that liquid because it is a burning chemical.

Word Family

Noun
acid
Verb
acidify
Adverb
acidly
Adjective
acidic
Related
acidity
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'A' in Acid and 'A' in Apples or lemons; many fruits have acid which makes them taste sharp.

Quick Quiz

The scientist poured the ____ into the glass tube very carefully.

Correct!

The correct answer is: acid

Examples

1

Lemons contain a natural acid that makes them taste very sour.

everyday

Lemons have a natural sour chemical that gives them their sharp taste.

2

The researcher measured the concentration of the acid in the solution.

formal

The scientist checked how strong the sour chemical was in the liquid mix.

3

Don't touch that liquid; it's acid and it will hurt your skin.

informal

Be careful with that liquid because it is a burning chemical.

4

When an acid reacts with a base, they produce water and salt.

academic

Mixing a sour chemical with its opposite creates water and salt.

5

Our company must follow safety rules when moving industrial acid.

business

The business has to use safety laws when transporting strong chemicals.

Word Family

Noun
acid
Verb
acidify
Adverb
acidly
Adjective
acidic
Related
acidity

Common Collocations

stomach acid The liquid in your stomach that helps digest food.
acid rain Rain that contains harmful chemicals from pollution.
citric acid The type of acid found in fruits like lemons and oranges.
amino acid The small parts that build proteins in the body.
strong acid A chemical that can burn through materials very quickly.

Common Phrases

acid test

A way to find out if something is really true or effective.

acid reflux

A medical condition where stomach acid goes up into the throat.

fatty acid

A type of molecule found in fats and oils.

Often Confused With

acid vs acidic

Acid is a noun (the substance), while acidic is an adjective (describing the quality).

📝

Usage Notes

In everyday English, 'acid' is used to describe sour foods or dangerous chemicals. In science class, it specifically refers to substances with a low pH.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'The food is acid' instead of 'The food is acidic.' Use 'acid' for the substance itself.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'A' in Acid and 'A' in Apples or lemons; many fruits have acid which makes them taste sharp.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'acidus,' meaning sour or sharp-tasting.

Grammar Patterns

Countable or uncountable noun Plural: acids Commonly used before other nouns (acid rain)
🌍

Cultural Context

The term 'acid' is often associated with battery safety or environmental issues like acid rain in many countries.

Quick Quiz

The scientist poured the ____ into the glass tube very carefully.

Correct!

The correct answer is: acid

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