alkaline
Alkaline describes a chemical substance that has a pH level greater than 7, which is the opposite of being acidic. It is often used to describe soil, water, or solutions that can neutralize acids.
Examples
3 of 5I need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.
I need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.
The laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.
The laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.
This soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.
This soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Alkaline' and 'Acid' as two ends of a scale. 'Alkaline' starts with 'A' and 'L', just like 'A Liquid' that is 'Low' in acid.
Quick Quiz
Farmers must test their fields because some crops will not grow if the soil is too _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: alkaline
Examples
I need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.
everydayI need to buy some alkaline batteries for the television remote.
The laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.
formalThe laboratory results indicated that the solution was highly alkaline.
This soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.
informalThis soap is way too alkaline and makes my skin feel really dry.
Certain plants thrive in alkaline soil conditions where the pH is above 7.5.
academicCertain plants thrive in alkaline soil conditions where the pH is above 7.5.
The company is launching a new line of bottled alkaline water next month.
businessThe company is launching a new line of bottled alkaline water next month.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
alkaline earth metals
alkaline earth metals
highly alkaline
highly alkaline
alkaline reserve
alkaline reserve
Often Confused With
Alkali is a noun referring to the substance itself, while alkaline is the adjective describing the substance.
In chemistry, they are often synonyms, but alkaline specifically refers to a base that dissolves in water.
Usage Notes
The term is most frequently used in scientific contexts like chemistry or gardening, but it has become popular in health circles regarding diet and water.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the word 'alkaline' as a noun (e.g., 'the alkaline of the water') instead of the correct noun form 'alkalinity'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Alkaline' and 'Acid' as two ends of a scale. 'Alkaline' starts with 'A' and 'L', just like 'A Liquid' that is 'Low' in acid.
Word Origin
Derived from the Arabic word 'al-qaly', which means 'the ashes' (specifically ashes of the saltwort plant used to make soda ash).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The 'alkaline diet' is a significant lifestyle trend in Western wellness culture, based on the idea that certain foods affect the body's pH balance.
Quick Quiz
Farmers must test their fields because some crops will not grow if the soil is too _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: alkaline
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