acidity

noun

acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsi-də-tē 

a-

plural acidities

1

: the quality, state, or degree of being acid

2

: the state of being excessively acid

Synonyms

• acerbity
• acidness
• acridity
• acridness
• acrimoniousness
• acrimony
• acuteness
• asperity
• bite
• bitterness
• edge
• harshness
• keenness
• poignance
• poignancy
• pungency
• roughness
• sharpness
• tartness

Examples of acidity in a Sentence

detected a certain acidity in the way he responded

the acidity of their relationship was well known to their mutual acquaintances

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the skillet above, it’s made from sturdy cast iron, but is also covered in a porcelain enamel that’s rust-resistant, non-reactive to acidity, and easy to clean. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024

Bright acidity, balanced, fine, focused flavors with green apples and grapefruit. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024

When used as a marinade, buttermilk’s enzymes and acidity break down and tenderize proteins like chicken, beef, pork, and fish, along with adding that signature tangy flavor. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2024

This important factor contributes to structure, concentration, acidity, and ageability. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Late Latin; French acidité, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin aciditāt-, aciditās, from Latin acidus "sour, acid entry 2" + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

acidity

noun

acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsid-ət-ē 

a-

plural acidities

1

: the quality, state, or degree of being acid

2

: the state of being extremely acid

Medical Definition

acidity

noun

acid·​i·​ty ə-ˈsid-ət-ē, a- 

plural acidities

1

: the quality, state, or degree of being sour or chemically acid

the acidity of lemon juice

2

: the quality or state of being excessively or abnormally acid : hyperacidity