alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən  -ˌlīn 

: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic

especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7

alkalinity

ˌal-kə-ˈli-nə-tē 

noun

Examples of alkaline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But these sticks were quickly buried in soil that was slightly alkaline and very dry, which contributed to their longevity. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024

Ash left in the bottom of your grill can be highly alkaline and eat away at your grill’s body. —Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024

Michelle Addington: Two problems: The salts themselves are extremely alkaline and therefore given to corrosion. —Johanna Mayer, Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2023

For example, about 100 tons of cyanide were added to the waste as part of cesium removal, but cyanide can produce toxic gases in highly alkaline environments. —Valerie Brown, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alkaline

• alkaline battery
• alkaline earth metal
• alkaline hydrolysis
• alkaline phosphatase

Kids Definition

alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən  -ˌlīn 

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an alkali : basic

alkalinity

ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

alkaline

adjective

al·​ka·​line ˈal-kə-lən  -ˌlīn 

: of, relating to, containing, or having the properties of an alkali or alkali metal : basic

especially, of a solution : having a pH of more than 7

alkalinity

ˌal-kə-ˈlin-ət-ē 

noun

plural alkalinities