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

These wines are generally dry with vibrant acidity. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

The two are not interchangeable, especially in baking where the acidity of buttermilk (which heavy cream lacks) contributes to the rise and flavor of baked goods. —Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025

Drinking too much coffee can irritate the stomach and cause acidity or gastroesophageal reflux. —Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024

While vitamin C is not considered toxic at high dosages, significant amounts can increase the risk of kidney stones due to its high acidity. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 17 Dec. 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