ALL meanings of alkali
al·ka·li
A a - variable noun alkali An alkali is a substance with a pH value of more than 7. Alkalis form chemical salts when they are combined with acids. 3
- noun alkali a soluble base or a solution of a base 3
- noun alkali a soluble mineral salt that occurs in arid soils and some natural waters 3
- noun alkali any base or hydroxide, as soda, potash, etc. that is soluble in water and gives a high concentration of hydroxyl ions in solution; specif., any of the hydroxides and carbonates of the alkali metals 3
- noun alkali any soluble substance, as a mineral salt or mixture of salts, that can neutralize acids, has a pH greater than 7.0, and turns litmus blue: strong alkalies are caustic 3
- noun plural alkali Chemistry. any of various bases, the hydroxides of the alkali metals and of ammonium, that neutralize acids to form salts and turn red litmus paper blue. any of various other more or less active bases, as calcium hydroxide. (not in technical use) an alkali metal. Obsolete. any of various other compounds, as the carbonates of sodium and potassium. 1
- noun plural alkali Agriculture. a soluble mineral salt or a mixture of soluble salts, present in some soils, especially in arid regions, and detrimental to the growing of most crops. 1
- adjective alkali Chemistry. alkaline. 1
- noun alkali A chemical compound that neutralizes or effervesces with acids and turns litmus blue; typically, a caustic or corrosive substance of this kind such as lime or soda. 1
- noun alkali type of mineral 1
- noun alkali alkaline, non-acidic 1
- noun alkali (chemistry) One of a class of caustic bases, such as soda, potash, ammonia, and lithia, whose distinguishing peculiarities are solubility in alcohol and water, uniting with oils and fats to form soap, neutralizing and forming salts with acids, turning to brown several vegetable yellows, and changing reddened litmus to blue. 0
- noun alkali Soda ash; caustic soda, caustic potash, etc. 0
- noun alkali (Western United States) Soluble mineral matter, other than common salt, contained in soils of natural waters. 0