Alkaline
/ˈæl.kə.laɪn/noun
Relating to or having the properties of an alkali; basic rather than acidic.
Did you know?The term 'alkaline' is derived from the Arabic 'al-qaly', meaning 'the ashes', which refers to the ashes of plants that were used in early alchemical practices!
Etymological Timeline
Arabic
Arabic
al-qaly
“The ashes of saltwort plants, used in early chemistry and alchemy.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
alcalinus
“Pertaining to an alkali or having a basic character.”
Old French
Old French
alkaline
“Describing substances that can neutralize acids.”
16th Century
English
alkaline
“Describing substances that are basic and used in chemistry.”
Modern English
English
alkaline
“Referring to a chemical property of being basic, used broadly in science.”