Alkalinity
/ˌæl.kəˈlɪn.ə.ti/noun
The capacity of a solution to neutralize acids, usually measured by its concentration of bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides.
Did you know?The root refers to ashes of saltwort plants, which were historically collected and processed to make alkaline materials for soapmaking, glassmaking, and chemical experiments.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
al-qalī
“The ashes, especially ashes of saltwort and other plants used in chemical processes”
12th–13th Century
Latin
alcali
“An alkaline substance or plant ash, borrowed from Arabic scientific writing”
16th Century
Italian
alkali
“A substance obtained from plant ashes and capable of neutralizing acids”
17th Century
English
alkali
“A soluble salt or base traditionally obtained from ashes”
19th Century
English
alkaline
“Having the properties of an alkali”
19th Century
English
alkalinity
“The degree or capacity of being alkaline”