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

The acidity in brown sugar can work in tandem with baking soda to produce a nice rise, which white sugar alone can’t do. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025

According to Northcutt, the biggest factor is rice's acidity or basicity, also referred to as pH. Some restaurants—particularly sushi restaurants—mix rice with vinegar, lowering its pH, which can help slow bacterial growth. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

The wine offers a crisp acidity and perfectly balances fruit and acidity, leading to a lingering finish. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025

The palate features a lively acidity with passionfruit flavors, kiwi, and a touch of green pepper. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025

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